Excitement Builds For USA vs. The World At Penn Relays

Team USA at the Penn Relays.

By NAN Staff Writer

News Americas, PHILADELPHIA, PA, Fri. April 25, 2014: The 120th edition of the world’s oldest and largest relay carnival, The Penn Relays, began on a sunny Thursday at historic Franklin Field in Philadelphia with the high school and college competitions.

But it is the 2014 edition of USA vs. The World at Penn Relays that promises to bring the crowds tomorrow, Saturday, April 26, 2014 and create a friendly rivalry that is second to none.

Invited world teams include Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Caribbean All-Stars, China, Ireland, Jamaica, Nigeria, Mexico, Qatar, Sierra Leone and Trinidad & Tobago.

Highlighted athletes featured are Chris Brown (BHS), Dominque Duncan (NGA), Michael Frater (JAM), Regine George (NGA), Natalya Goule (JAM), Ryan Gregson (AUS), Michelle-Lee Ahye (TTO), Kerron Stewart (JAM).

Invited athletes on the US men’s side include five-time Olympic medalist Justin Gatlin, Olympic silver medalist Leo Manzano, who captured the USA 1 Mile Championships on Tuesday evening, and two-time Olympic medalist and 2011 World silver medalist Walter Dix. Three members of Team USA from the 14th IAAF World Indoor Championships will compete at the event, including Kyle Clemons and David Verburg, members of the 2014 World Indoor Champion 4×4, and Olympic silver medalist Trell Kimmons.

On the women’s side, Team USA is led by three-time Olympic medalist DeeDee Trotter, who owns two gold medals as a member of the U.S. women’s 4×4. Four members from the U.S. team at the 2014 World Indoor Championships will also compete, including two-time World gold medalist Francena McCorory, Monica Hargrove, Lakeisha Lawson and Ajee’ Wilson, who attends Temple University just 3.5 miles from Franklin Field.

The USA vs. The World races will air live on NBC Sports Network from 12:30-3 p.m. EST.

Relay lineups will be available later today.