Stars In The City

13 SEP2011

Five American athletes have announced they will compete against the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team in this year's Great North CityGames. The event, which takes place on Saturday, September 17, will showcase some of the top names in athletics as Team USA go head-to-head in a much anticipated transatlantic contest.

Carmelita Jeter, Bernard Lagat, David Oliver, Dwight Phillips, and Dawn Harper are the first wave of American stars to accept the invitation to represent Team USA in what is one of the greatest rivalries in international sport. The nine-event competition will be staged at Newcastle, Gateshead on the purpose-built quayside track and is to be broadcast live on the BBC.

Jeter, fresh from both her 100m and relay victories at the IAAF World Championships, said, "I've been focused on the World Championships but the chance to run a 150m in the match against Great Britain will definitely provide a unique ending to my season."

Dwight Phillips, who successfully defended his long jump title in Daegu, shared Jeter's enthusiasm, commenting; "What a cool idea to have a long jump competition outside of a stadium. I've heard from those who have experienced it before that it allows the spectators to get much closer to the competitors, adding to the excitement...I'm really up for it."

As Phillips suggests, the fact the event takes place outside of a stadium allows spectators that bit closer to the athletes, creating a unique atmosphere. Last year the home side recorded a narrow 5-4 victory over Australia, with Andy Turner winning the final event in an enthralling finale.

With this year's CityGames playing host to some of the top athletes fresh from their success at the recent World Championships,including Britain's very own Mo Farah, the competition is expected to be as fierce as ever.

As in previous years, admission to the CityGames is free. You can visit the event website for further details and updates as to who will be competing in the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team.