SPRINGDALE, Ark., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tyson Foods is proud to announce that a world record in the 300-meter was set yesterday at the Tyson Invitational. Wallace Spearmon was rewarded with $25,000 from Tyson and bragging rights to the title of fastest man in the world in the 300-meter. With a time of 31.88, fans witnessed Spearmon out-sprint the competition during one of the most successful indoor track and field meets in the country.
"It was amazing to see a world record set in our own backyard in Fayetteville, Arkansas," said Bob Corscadden, Tyson's senior vice president and chief marketing officer. "It was an unbelievable experience for our community to witness," Corscadden continued. "The power on display at this event was simply awesome!"
The men's 300-meter was a history-making race. The one-and-a-half lap race showcased some of the bright young stars in the world of track and field. World Championships silver medalist and hometown favorite Wallace Spearmon (USA) went head-to-head with indoor 400-meter world record holder Kerron Clement (USA). LaShawn Merritt (USA), who ranks fifth in the USA in the 400-meter, joined the field as did Omar Brown (Jamaica). Spearmon smashed the world record of 32.19 set by Robson da Silva (Brazil) in 1989, earning him the $25,000 prize offered by Tyson Foods for such a feat.
"I knew the competition was very strong, but I was more determined than ever to run my best time and set a world record in my hometown," said Wallace Spearmon. "I want to thank Tyson Foods for recognizing my efforts," continued Spearmon. "A balanced diet, hours of training and a great facility helped me accomplished this."
The 300-meter world record was set at the Randal Tyson Track Center, which is considered to be one of the finest indoor track and field facilities in the nation. The track is a 200-meter banked oval with a 60-meter straightaway. Tyson Foods was proud to sponsor, for the seventh consecutive year, this event where the athletes' performance was supported by protein's long lasting energy.
The Tyson Invitational will be televised on ESPN 2 on February 12, 2006 at 8:30 p.m. PST. For more information on the Tyson Invitational and Tyson Foods please visit http://www.tysoninvitational.org/ or http://www.tyson.com/ .
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. , founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork, the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products, which are marketed under the "Powered by Tyson(TM)" strategy. Tyson is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves, providing products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. The company has approximately 114,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
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