Track and Field's Best Arrive in New York for the 2009 Reebok Grand Prix

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 29, 2009) – World champion Tyson Gay, Olympic champion Veronica Campbell-Brown, Olympic silver medalists Jenn Stuczysnki and Richard Thompson, former World Champion Lauryn Williams and Sweden's Olympic gold medalist Carolina Klüft were in New York yesterday to preview this weekend's meet.

The Reebok Grand Prix is the fourth stop of USA Track & Field’s Visa Championship Series and will be held at 3:00pm on May 30, at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island.

Lauryn Williams and Veronica Campbell-Brown have developed a friendly rivalry through the years and are set to face off once again in the 100m. “Rivals give you that extra drive and are good for the sport,” said Campbell-Brown. “It helps us push each other.” Throughout her career, Williams, has proven one thing – the bigger the race the better she races: as a college sophomore in 2004, Williams surprised many to finish ahead of Campbell-Brown to win the 100m silver medal at the Athens Olympics, and then again one year later when Williams won the world title at the same distance. “It’s a friendly rivalry and we always want to do our best,” said Williams. “If she (Campbell-Brown) is not one of the eight on the line, I always wonder where she is.”

Veteran Reebok Grand Prix star Tyson Gay offered some insights on the meet, the stadium and its fans to fellow sprinters Asafa Powell and Richard Thompson. “The Reebok Grand Prix has been really good to me,” said Gay. “The track is fast and the stadium is packed with Caribbean fans-more Caribbean fans than Americans, you guys will have a lot of support.”

Favored in the 100m, Powell, returning from an ankle injury, is intent on letting his racing speak for itself. “Everything has been smooth so far - I’m back and ready to run”, said Powell. “I’m going to wait until Saturday before I make big talk.” Thompson, who burst onto the scene in 2008 by dominating collegiate track and field and capturing the silver medal in Beijing is looking forward to the strong Caribbean support found at the Reebok Grand Prix. “I look forward to running in New York City,” said Thompson.

Three-time defending pole vault champion at the Reebok Grand Prix Jenn Stuczynski is looking to push herself even further this weekend. “With my training and the way I’ve been jumping,” said Stuczynksi, “I hope to get over 5 meters this year.” The Fredonia, New York native will also have lots of crowd support. “A lot of my family and friends are coming down to watch on Saturday,” added Stuczynski.