It is a time when the sport of track and field receives its most exposure with the Summer Olympics just two months away but instead the U.S. Olympic trials open on Friday in Sacramento under a cloud of a controversy. World 100 meter record holder Tim Montgomery and five others have been charged in a doping scandal that has left several other stars denying their involvement.* Drake Relays director Mark Kostek who will serve as a technical official at the trials says all six will be allowed to compete until the hearing process is complete. He says he has a feeling there’ll be more negative press along the way, but he says he likes to think they conduct a sport where athletes are competing on a level playing field. He says he expects some athletes may compete under a court injunction. He says once the competition begins the focus will shift and they will have a great competition with the best athletes representing the company in August. Kostek says the sport’s image has been bruised by a few who have tried to take a shortcut.18 athletes who competed at the high school or collegiate level in Iowa will compete in the trials. The list includes former UNI standout Joey Woody who is one of the favorites in the 400 meter hurdles.
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