ORLANDO, Fla. – At the recent USA Track & Field (USATF) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays Blake Boldon was recognized with the USATF President's Award in recognition of his significant contributions to USATF through various leadership and volunteer roles. The President's Award is a prestigious honor within the USATF community, celebrating individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and service to track and field.
In Boldon's first eight years leading the Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom, the event has been established as a domestic cornerstone of the prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour. This achievement has positioned America's Athletic Classic as a key opportunity for U.S. athletes to build their world rankings and prepare for international championships. Additionally, the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has hosted the USATF 1 Mile Championships for both men and women each of the last eight years. This streak includes August 2020 as part of the Blue Oval Showcase, a significant occasion when the 1 Mile became the only USATF Championship held during the 12 months following the suspension of events due to the global pandemic, underscoring its critical role in keeping the sport active during challenging times.
Boldon also played a pivotal role in attracting and hosting the 2018 and 2019 USATF Outdoor Championships at Drake Stadium, events that significantly boosted the local economy and brought national attention to the Des Moines community. The 2019 event selected the U.S. team that competed in the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar. Since 2020, Boldon has served as the Chair of Men's Long Distance Running for USATF, a role in which he has overseen the development and management of men's long-distance running programs in the U.S. He previously served six years as Vice Chair of this same committee.
In 2023, Boldon was selected by USATF as the event manager for the World Athletics Championships held in Budapest, Hungary, where he coordinated logistical operations for the U.S. delegation and ensured athlete needs were met throughout the event. At the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia, he served as the men's coach, providing guidance and support for the competing athletes. Additionally, in 2024, he served as the men's head manager for the USATF Under-20 Championship squad in Lima, Peru, overseeing team operations and mentoring young athletes to prepare them for elite competition.
The USATF President's Award is an annual honor bestowed by the organization's president to individuals who have made significant contributions to track and field. Recipients are recognized for their dedication, service, and impact on the sport. In 2024, USATF President Vin Lananna presented President's Awards to a group of dedicated individuals—Al Davis, Alex Cuozzo, Kendra Coleman, Tiara Williams, Dustin Williams, Pam Navarra-Chiavaroli, Bill Murray, Kim Keenan-Kirkpatrick, Blake Boldon, Connie Price-Smith, Danielle Siebert, Diane Graham-Henry, Manny Bautista, Perry Jenkins, and Ron Williams.
