by Larry EderIt was announced by the Oregonian/Oregon Live site tonight, and in an article by respected athletics writer Ken Goe, that Vin Lananna, President of Track Town USA has resigned his position. In the article by Ken Goe, an unnamed source noted that Vin Lananna had told the staff of Tracktown USA about his decision on Tuesday at a group meeting.
Vin Lananna, photo by PhotoRun.net
In the article, it noted that Vin Lananna will keep his position as asistant Athletic Director at the University of Oregon. Vin Lananna has lead the Olympic Trials held in Eugene, Oregon in 2008, 2012, 2016. It the article Ken Goe notes that sources claim the reason for Lananna’s departure from Tracktown USA was so that he can concentrate all of his energy on the 2021 World Championships.
What does this mean? Vin Lananna has had many grand ideas for the sport, but, in his wake, he has created many powerful and effective enemies. The case in point is USA Track & Field. The removal of Vin Lananna as USATF President, was taken under the guise that Mr. Lananna, due to what USATF saw as conflicts of interest, could not effectively perform his job.
The article quoted sources as noting that Lananna cited concerns on his effectiveness and health as main reasons for his decision. In light of Lananna’s departure, the article also cited that Micheal Reilly, the long time CEO of Tracktown USA, may assume new responsbilities. Micheal Reilly is quite capable of assuming additional duties, as he has had experience with major championships, not only at Oregon, but also, in his previous lives at Stanford and Oberlin, among others.
Phil Knight, Vin Lananna, 2009, photo by PhotoRun.net
Also cited in the article is the investigation continuining into the 2021 World Championships by the Department of Justice. Several other sources have cited the French investigative unit among those interested in learning more about how the 2021 World Championships were awarded.
The departure of Vin Lananna has been rumored for some months now, since the DOJ investigation was revealed. While no charges have been brought against anyone in regards to Eugene 2021, the suggestions of an investigation have provided the 2021 World Champs, the first Outdoor World Championships to be held in the US, with a sad aftertaste.
Vin Lananna has been a coach in track and field and cross country for nearly four decades. He is respected as a coach and an administrator. Lananna’s ideas on changing the sport are legendary, and his enthusiasm is what has gained him many supporters, but also a sizable group of enemies.The aftertaste surrounding the 2021 World Championships is part of the unfinished saga of Lamine Diack, the disgraced IAAF President and his son, Pappa Diack, who, it is alleged, were both involved in taking millions of dollars in bribes, as they lead the IAAF.
This story will be updated.
