CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., May 29, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Top collegiate track and field athletes will compete at regional championships this weekend, and two of the venues feature the same track used at the past eight Olympic Games. Participants in the NCAA Division I outdoor track and field regional competitions at the University of Arkansas (Mideast championships) and the University of Nebraska (Midwest) will be racing on Mondo Super X Performance tracks.
Mondo also will be the surface for the Division I outdoor track and field national championships, scheduled for June 11-14 at Drake University.
Named the outdoor track facility of the year in January 2008 by the American Sports Builders Association, Arkansas' John McDonnell Field features a nine-lane, 400-meter Mondo Super X Performance track. It is one of only four tracks in the U.S. -- and one of 64 internationally -- to receive the prestigious IAAF Class I certification. It also was the first on a college campus to receive the designation.
The Mondo track was installed in 2006 as part of the university's plan to make the newly constructed John McDonnell Field one of the top outdoor competitive venues in the nation. John McDonnell, Arkansas' legendary head track and field coach, has guided his athletes to 42 NCAA championships in his 36 seasons. Numerous track and field records have been set at the stadium, which will host the 2009 NCAA Division I outdoor track and field championships and the annual John McDonnell Invitational.
"Mondo is the Cadillac of track surfaces, and it is super fast," said McDonnell. "I think we will see some very fast times this weekend at the Mideast championships."
The Mondo Super X Performance track at University of Nebraska's Ed Weir Stadium was installed in 2000 as part of a $2 million renovation. Spectators at the 3,500-seat stadium have watched athletes compete on the Mondo's state-of-the-art surface during competitions including the National Junior Olympics, Big Eight Outdoor Championships and Big 12 Outdoor Championships. This is the second time in the event's five-year history that the university has hosted the Midwest regional championships.
The world's top track for more than 30 years, Mondo Super X Performance is the same track that has been used during the past eight Olympic Games. In use at more than 1,100 venues globally, the surface is recognized around the world as the fastest, most durable and environmentally safest track available. Mondo is the official supplier to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing for athletic tracks.
"We hear over and over how athletes' performances have steadily improved while training and competing on Mondo surfaces," said Federico Stroppiana, president of Mondo North and South America. "It shows in the nearly 230 world records and countless national and personal bests that have been set on Mondo tracks."
Mondo's Super X Performance track was developed to maintain its initial physical properties, so it provides consistent performance throughout its life. The vulcanized natural rubber surface provides maximum elasticity and unparalleled durability, and its embossed, textured finish makes it extremely easy to maintain with no resurfacing required. The high-performance track is renowned for its shock absorption and optimal energy return, and its ideal blend of speed and comfort minimizes the occurrence of injuries.
About Mondo
Mondo is the global leader in the sports flooring market, manufacturing floor surfaces for virtually every sport. The official supplier of the athletic track and basketball and handball courts of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Mondo also is the official supplier or official sponsor of more than 100 sports federations and associations, including FIBA, IAAF, Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, NIRSA, U.S. Track Coaches Association and YMCA.
The company also supplies a wide variety of commercial flooring and is the world's largest producer of sports and toy balls with an average daily production of 450,000 units. In addition, it manufactures large luxury yachts under its Mondo Marine division.
Mondo invests heavily in research and development to ensure its products meet the highest quality standards in the industry, deliver optimal athletic performance, are durable, require minimal maintenance and are environmentally safe.
A family-owned business since its founding in 1948, Mondo's global headquarters are in Italy. The company has manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia and sells its products in more than 196 countries. More information about Mondo is available at www.mondousa.com.
Mondo is a registered trademark of Mondo.
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