Athletics Grand Prix Series

The Athletics Grand Prix series is an Australian national athletics competition, held annually. Australian athletes aiming at selection in the Olympic Games, World Championships or Commonwealth Games are usually required to compete in the meetings which form the series [ [http://www.athletics.com.au/community/392/general_selection - Athletics Australia selection criteria] ] .

Overview

Each year Athletics Australia and its' member associations conduct a range of athletics meets held around the country in a two-tiered structure. Lesser meets are termed 'Classics' and are part of the 'National Series' [http://www.athletics.com.au/news/media_resources/2008_season_guide Athletics Australia - Season Guide 2007/08] ] .

The most important three meetings are IAAF meets, branded in Australia as 'Grand Prix' meets. These events are part of the prestigious IAAF World Athletics Tour, at which competing athletes can earn points towards competing in the IAAF World Athletics Final [ [http://iaaf.org/competitions/wat/index.html IAAF World Athletics Series] ] .

Athletics Australia provides travel funding to enable the leading Australian athletes to compete and invites a small number of international athletes to attend.

In the 2008 series, World 100 metres record-holder Asafa Powell of Jamaica and World Champion at 400 metres, Jeremy Wariner of the United States were the main overseas attractions [ [http://sport.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-7326716,00.html Guardian Unlimited - Powell and Wariner post comfortable early season wins] ] .

IAAF World Athletics Tour meets

The three IAAF approved meetings held in Australia are:

* Canberra AIS meet - traditionally conducted around Australia Day, January 26
* Sydney Athletics Grand Prix (IAAF permit meet) - usually conducted in late February
* Melbourne IAAF Grand Prix meet - traditionally conducted in late February

The Australian Championships are held shortly after the conclusion of the Grand Prix series.

The Grand Prix series is usually telecast on SBS Television.

Events held at each event vary. Recently the Australian Championships at 5000 metres for men and women have been conducted at the Melbourne and Sydney meets, respectively.

Event sponsorship

The series has previously been supported by Athletics Australia's major sponsor and known as:
* Mobil Grand Prix series
* Optus Grand Prix series
* Telstra A-Series

Telstra's support for athletics in Australia ended in 2007 and the sport was without a major sponsor during the 2008 series.

References