DES MOINES, Iowa, June 10, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Mondo's world-renowned Super X Performance track will once again be the surface for a prestigious track and field championship. This time, it's the NCAA Division I outdoor track and field championships, which take place June 11-14 at Drake University's Drake Stadium. The competition is expected to draw more than 1,100 athletes from approximately 200 colleges and universities.
The Mondo track was installed in 2005 as part of extensive renovations to Drake Stadium, and many records have been set on the track since then. Most recently, several meet and venue bests were recorded in April at the Drake Relays.
Drake University chose Mondo Super X Performance because of the track's performance and Mondo's reputation for outstanding customer service, according to Mark Kostek, Drake University's associate athletic director.
"Mondo is known around the world as the fastest track there is," said Kostek. "With the caliber of the athletes participating in the NCAA championships, and because they're competing on a Mondo track, I wouldn't be surprised to see more records fall this week."
The world's top track for more than 30 years and the official track for the past eight Olympic Games, Mondo Super X Performance has been installed at more than 1,100 venues around the world. It is recognized globally as the fastest, most durable and environmentally safest track available. Nearly 230 world records-including Usain Bolt's 9.72 seconds in last month's Reebok Grand Prix 100 meters-and countless national and personal bests have been set on Mondo tracks.
"The NCAA championships at Drake Stadium will be an opportunity for the best collegiate track and field athletes to showcase their abilities on the world's No. 1 track surface," said Federico Stroppiana, president of Mondo North and South America.
Mondo designed Super X Performance 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. This 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.
The company's newest surface, Mondotrack, will be in place for the Beijing Olympics in August.
One of the most popular track and field venues in the U.S., Drake Stadium is home to the Drake Relays, an annual meet that has featured numerous Olympians and world and national record holders. The 14,557-seat stadium hosted last year's NCAA Midwest regional track and field championships, and it is the home every May of the Iowa high school boys and girls state track championships.
Among the track and field legends who have competed at the stadium are Bruce Jenner, Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, Ralph Metcalfe, Al Oerter, Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, Frank Shorter, Gwen Torrence and Jeremy Wariner.
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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