Transportation Tips! - IAAF World Championships Daegu 2011

Your guide to a pleasant and comfortable trip.

International Travle

The major arrival points in Korea are the Incheon International Airport (Incheon), the Gimhae International Airport (Busan), and the Daegu International Airport (Daegu).  The LOC is doing its utmost to secure sufficient flights a day between Incheon and Daegu, as assured by the two national carriers Korean Air and Asiana Airlines.

There are also limousine buses from Incheon and Busan, as well as a high-speed train service. Below you will find a detailed breakdown of the modes of transportation and travelling time.

Public Transportation

All participants with valid accreditation cards will be able to use public transportation in Daegu free of charge.

▶ South Korea Airports ◀

The Incheon International Airport (Incheon) - http://www.airport.kr/eng/
The Gimhae International Airport (Busan) - http://www.airport.co.kr/doc/www_eng/
The Daegu International Airport (Daegu) - http://www.airport.co.kr/doc/daegu_eng/index.jsp

▶ China Airports ◀

Beijing Capital International Airport - http://en.bcia.com.cn/

▶ Japan Airports ◀

Narita International Airport - http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/
Kansai International Airport - http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/index.asp
Chubu Centrair International Airport - http://www.centrair.jp/en/index.html
Osaka International Airport - http://osaka-airport.co.jp/en/index.html
Haneda Airport - http://www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/en/

The 8th IAAF World Championships in Athletics - Edmonton 2001

It was in 2001 that North America welcomed the IAAF World Championships. For the first time in IAAF history the event traveled overseas, and was welcomed in Edmonton, Canada the capital of Alberta.

Poster



Emblem & Mascot



Established as a fur trading town in the 18^th century the city experienced explosive growth after the discovery of oil in the mid 20^th century. Now the capital city of Alberta and the 6^th largest metropolitan city in Canada the city is now known as the “City of Champions” and the “Oil Capital of Canada.”

The Commonwealth Stadium was chosen as the host venue for this edition of the Championships. As the second largest stadium in the nation, the 60,000 seat multi-purpose stadium built in 1978 as the home stadium of Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL. This stadium also welcomed the 1983 Summer Universiade.

This event was a great success as 1,677 athletes competed in the 46 events (Men’s 24, Women’s 22) of the Championships. Perhaps the most exiting event was the rivalry showdown of teammates Maurice Greene (USA) and Tim Montgomery (USA), as both athletes were thought to be strong competitors for the title of World Champion. In the Women’s 100m the world was on pins and needles to see if USA’s Marion Jones would earn her third consecutive gold medals in Women’s 100m.

In regards to the Men’s 100m, Maurice Greene came out on top as he achieved his third consecutive title as World Champion, and though Tim Montgomery finished in second place, he was later disqualified  was disqualified although he was second in 100m.

You will notice that there is no record of Marion Jones any Olympic or World Championships event after 1999. This is because she, along with her husband at the time Tim Montgomery, was stripped of their titles and after the BALCO scandal which rocked the sports world in 2006. After admitting to her steroid use, the United States Anti-Doping Agency stripped her of all medals and records since 2000 and she was sentenced 6 months in prison by a district court. Her partner and husband Tim Montgomery was also indicted on the same charges and was also stripped of his medals and records, to include a World Record in the 100m.

This year Korea sent another hopeful, but this time in the Men’s Marathon. Edmonton welcomed Boston Marathon winner Bong-Ju Lee. Sadly was not able to finish the race but the 1996 Olympic Silver medalist is still regarded as a national hero in Korea.

That’s it for see you next time in Paris, France!

The 7th IAAF World Championships in Athletics – Seville 1999

1999 was a huge year for the world; the Euro was established, Lance Armstrong won his first Tour de France and the last IAAF World Championships of the 20th Century was held in Seville, Spain!

Known as the artistic, cultural and financial capital of southern Spain, Seville was a great choice for the 7^th IAAF World Championships in Athletics. Though the city has much to see with its amazing history, the athletics community was worried about the extreme heat and humidity during the event. The city has an average high of 35 °C, which can be very taxing on athletes and spectators in the stadium.

Poster

Emblem & Moscot

This Event was held in the 57,000 seat, multi-purpose venue, the Estadio Olimpico de Sevilla, which was later used to host the 2003 UEFA Cup Final as well as concerts by Madonna and U2.

The Estadio Olimpico de Sevilla

It was at the IAAF World Championships in Seville that the Men’s 100m and 200m regained its popularity after the retirement of Carl Lewis (USA). This year fellow American Maurice Green took both the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m Relay gold medals.

One of the most astounding moments of the Seville World Championships, was Michael Johnson’s (USA) 400m performance. Though he had suffered injuries in 1999 the athlete was able to overcome them and earn his fourth consecutive gold medal in the 400m and shattering the World Record with an astonishing time of 43.18.

This Championships was also one of firsts as the first ever North Korean medalist emerged. Sung-Ok Jung took the gold medal in the Women’s Marathon.

Hurdles 101

When people think of athletics they generally think about the 100m, the Pole Vault, the Long Jump and the Hurdle Events. Today we will review the Hurdle, since the first modern Olympics in 1896 the 110m Hurdle has been one of the foremost events of an athletics competition.

This event is said to have originated from English Shepherds in the 19^th Century as they would have to clear fences… After many years this event was made official as the Men’s 110m Hurdle. Each of the 10 hurdles was set at the height of the traditional fences (106.7cm) in the English country side.

In modern athletics there are currently four Hurdle events – Men’s 110m & 400m Hurdles & Women’s 100m & 400m Hurdles. As stated earlier the Men’s Hurdles are set at a height of 106.7cm while the Women’s are set at 83.8 cm for the 110m and 100m events respectively.

In the Hurdle events it is okay for an athlete to knock down every single Hurdle with his/her feet, this will not lead to a disqualification. But if an athlete touches any part of the Hurdle, crosses into another athletes lane, or obstructs a fellow athlete, this can lead to a quick disqualification.

In order to clear each Hurdle perfectly, the athlete needs to employ soft jumping techniques in order to reduce landing time, while also maintaining proper stride between each of the hurdles. In the early stages of the competitions the competitors were accustomed to jumping over the hurdles rather than striding over them as the athletes of today do. This modern technique was developed by Alvin Kraenzlein (USA), which he employed during the 1900 Paris Olympic Games where he took the gold in both the 110m and 200m Hurdles.

Daegu’s Urban Parks - Part 2

3. 2.28 Jungang Memorial Park

Just a three minute walk from the ‘Gukchae-bosang Memorial Park, you will find the 2.28 Jungang Memorial Park. This park was established to commemorate the student led demonstration of 28 Feb. 1960. The students in Daegu and in many neighboring cities joined in demanding democracy, and the ousting of the dictatorship.

The memory of these fearless students is embodied in this park with a statue and fountain, showing the peace after their successful stand for democracy. You will find people of all ages in this park enjoying the shade from the trees during the spring and summer time and the beautiful lights at night providing romantic place for couples.

4. Gyeongsang-Gamyeong Park

Just a short walk west of the 2.28 Jungang Memorial Park and behind the Daegu 2011 LOC’s Headquarters you will find the Gyeongsang-Gamyeong Park. This park was the site of provincial governor’s office during the Joseon Dynasty up until 1965. In 1970 the governor’s office moved and the park was established as a public park in the 1970s. Within the park’s grounds you will find ‘Sunwhadang’ and ‘Jingchunggak’ which were administrative work stations during the Joseon Dynasty. You will also notice a large bell in the park, this bell of unification was originally used to toll in the New Year before the installation of the bell at Gukchae-bosang Memorial Park.

5. Dalseong Park

Dalseong Park can be found a short distance away from the Seomun Market, Daegu’s largest traditional market.

Constructed in 261 A.D this park is the oldest earthen mound fortress in Korea. Around the park visitors will come across a statue of Je-u Choi, the founder of Donghak (an Eastern Scholastic Religion boom in 1860) and a stele of the nationalist poet, Sang-hwa Lee. Facilities and tourist attractions within the park include the Gwanpungnu Pavilion, a local history hall, and a zoo.

Daegu’s Urban Parks - Part 1

Even though it’s not like national park where contains lots of wild animal or chain of mountain, urban parks offer recreation and green fields to residents living in heavily crowded urban city.

Urban parks located in centre of Daegu also are offering not only above benefits but also historical meaning.

1. Mangwoo Park

In Eastern Daegu near the Kumho River you will find Mangwoo Park. This park was founded to pay tribute to the memory of General Jae-Woo Gwak, the first successful militia leader to resist the Japanese Army during Hideyoshi’s Invasion in 1592. In the park grounds you will find a statue of the late general, a memorial museum with relics from Hideyoshi’s Invasion, and Choyang Hall which was built in 1922 to educate the nations youth about the independence movement against Japanese colonialism.

Additionally you will find the ornate Yeongnam Jeil-Gwan (Independence Hall). This gate was originally constructed during the Joseon Dynasty, but was destroyed during the Japanese colonial period. Daegu city then renovated the gate in the 1980s, preserving the site for the city’s citizens.

2. Gukchae-bosang Memorial Park (Memorial Park Of National Debt Remuneration Movement) 

Gukchae-bosang Memorial Park was established in 1907 to commemorate the ‘National Debt Repayment Movement’ campaign between 1907 and 1908, which was one of the first movements to reclaim national sovereignty through fund-raising; in way of repaying the national debt owed to Japan. The city of Daegu was the epicenter of such movements, as Kwang-Jae Kim and Sang-Don Suh were the first to advocate the campaign by quitting smoking and establishing a committee to raise funds.

This beautiful park is still well preserved today where families and couples spend their weekends enjoying the fresh air and green paths.

In walking around this park you will also find a pagoda housing a large bell, which is rung every New Years Eve to bring in the New Year.



What is the Fastest Event in Track?

What is the Fastest Event in Track?

Most people might think 100m sprint is the quickest track event…most people are wrong. Athletes reach their fastest speeds in the 4x100m.

On 16 August 2009, Usain “Lighting” Bolt reaffirmed his title of ‘Worlds Fastest Man’ at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin, Germany. Having previously earned the World Record in Beijing in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m Relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games the world though that man had reached its top speed, Bolt proved this wrong when he took the Gold Medal and the World Record for both the Men’s 100m (9.58) and the Men’s 200m (19.19).

In looking at Bolt’s times, it has been found that his fastest average speed can be more accurately seen in 4x100m relay not in 100m. In comparing the two events he ran Bolt ran closer to a 9.28 in the 4x100m, nearly 0.3s faster than his 100m World Record.

Why is that?

The answer is very simple, it is because of the acceleration within the baton zone. During the handoff, the next athlete has already begun running when he/she accepts the baton. Therefore by the time the athletes begin their 100m run they have already built up their speed and acceleration is maintained from start to finish. The 400m Relays are very unique races as they consider speed of each runner to determine their place in the race; generally a four person relay team runs in the following order second fastest, third fastest, slowest, then fastest.

Interview with the Director of the Competition Bureau for the IAAF World Championships Daegu 2011 – Mr. Jun Kim

Hey everyone it’s me, Sarbi! This week I had the pleasure to interview the Daegu LOC’s Competition Director, Mr. Jun KIM. I had so many questions to ask him about his role in the organization of the IAAF World Championships Daegu 2011.

Q. Ordinary citizens are often unsure about the Organizing Committee’s work. So, we’d like to get rid of the curiosity through this interview. Tell us about the specific mission of Competition Bureau in Organizing Committee.

A. Our main focus is on the actual competition. It has taken around two years to arrange the nine day event schedule. You may think that that is a long time, but you also have to remember that there are a lot of things that need to be considered. We need to simultaneously adjust to the constantly changing situations from the  IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations), the Host Broadcaster (KBS), and broadcasting time slot in the largest athletics markets (Europe and the United States). It took me almost 2 years to receive final approval on our timetable from the IAAF Council Members and other relevant organizations. We were able to reach our finalized timetable with the help and consultation from the Daegu 2011 Technical Delegates.

Q. I’m curious about your personal history. I have heard that you are not a Daegu City Official or resident. How did you become involved with the Organizing Committee?

A. I began my career in sports management in the spring of 1982, when I was an assistant in my graduate school, Dongguk University, while working I received an official recruitment letter from 1988 Seoul Olympic Games Organizing Committee. I was requested to assist with the organization of the event. I was very excited, as this was my first encounter with sports administration.

Not long after joining the Seoul Olympic Games Organizing Committee (SOGOC), I remember that a man wearing thick glasses and trench-coat had joined the Committee. He was fluent in English and capable of successfully negotiating issues with the International Olympic Committee. This man is the Daegu 2011 LOC’s current Vice President and Secretary General, Mr. Dong-Hoo Moon.

After working with him, many of the young committee members, including myself had dubbed him our “lifesaver.” During my seven year stay in the competition bureau of the SOGOC) he had been a great influence on me and much of the other staff.

After the Olympics Games I began my new job working with the Korea Sports Promotion Organization (KSPO). This organization was established to utilizing the various sports facilities such as the pool, gymnasium and velodrome in the Seoul Olympic Park as profit legacy from the Olympic Games. I was responsible for marketing in this organization.

After working there for some time, I then felt that something was lacking, and I decided to head to the United States to study. This was a surprise to many because I was already over the age of 30. I believe that this drive was sparked during my time with the SOGOC, where I had met a lot of friends from many different backgrounds who instilled upon me the “Need to learn more.” I took their advice and I pursued a degree in Michigan.

After finishing my degree I can back to Korea, and I worked for the SBS Professional Basketball Team (Now Anyang KT&G) in 1997, where I happily worked for until just three years ago.

Q. Many people don’t realize the importance and magnitude of this event, what can you say about next year’s Championships?

A. This event will launch Daegu into the international spotlight, it is important that Daegu and Korea come together to make this a successful event. As this is the thirds largest athletics event in the world, we want to ensure that we have created the best possible arena for athletes of all backgrounds to compete and earn their best results for next year’s Championships.

Q. Is athlete invitation and scouting is the one of Competition Bureau’s main jobs?

A. Yes, that is one of our primary focuses. In selecting athletes to compete we are required to analyze the data and records of all athletes from Entry Standards provided by IAAF. After we have finished our analysis, we then forward our results to the relevant divisions within the LOC in order to arrange smooth entry procedures, hospitality, accommodation, and meals.

After all of this has been verified we then are required to manage each of the teams’ schedules; this will be assisted by our Team Attachés Volunteers who will accompany athletics teams to and from the Athletes’ Village to the Daegu Stadium and even the training areas.

With regard to event progression, our bureau also is responsible for Event Presentation Management (EPM). This is how we are able to control all elements of Event, including competition operation, movement, all broadcasting (including script of announcer and sound effects).

Q. In reviewing past editions of the Championships, athletes suffered from a control condition, due to the event start time being 8 am in Athens 1997. How will the next Championships be?

A. As I said earlier, it two years of consultation. In case of Athens, that’s the matter of host city’s power. But we believe that there were lots of reasons to set a start time at 8 am, but it’s mainly due to overseas TV coverage time. We decided to break from tradition, so we held out and said we wouldn’t do it. This led to us having a start time for 10am for most of the events.

Additionally, there is a Test Event, which will simulate the procedures for the World Championships. Our test events will occur on 10 April 2011, during the Daegu International Marathon and on 12 May 2011 during the Colorful Daegu Pre-Championship Meeting (IAAF World Challenge). This will provide the LOC with an invaluable opportunity to test our current preparations. We are planning to have Dress Rehearsal on 24 and 25 Aug, just before the event for a final check of our preparations.

Q. Wow, that can’t be an easy job, can it?

A. It is difficult but it becomes manageable with the support of all of the people involved the pre preparation. As of now the IAAF has nominated Technical Delegates for our Championships, they include Mr. Cesar Moreno Bravo (MEX), Mr. Bill Bailey (AUS), and Mr. Shen Chunde (CHN) who is the former 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Competition Director.

It is because of these individuals that our event preparations are going so well. I am especially thankful to Cesar Moreno Bravo, is like my tutor. In 1968 he was one of the top officials for the Mexico City Olympic Games. He also has been an IAAF Council Member for over 40 years, with an expertise in event management, regulations, and operation.

When I first joined the Organizing Committee, there were no Korean International Technical Officials (ITO) nor were there any National Technical Officials (NTO). This was disturbing as in Osaka, Japan there were approximately 200. In order to be qualified as an ITO, applicants must pass the test in English.

Thanks to Cesar Moreno’s help, we managed to produce 100 NTOs by hosting the test in Korean. During the testing and training the NTOs were taught all of the competition rules, regulations, and procedures. My tutor, Cesar, gave me very important advice to ensure that there are female referees in Korea. So this year in December we will welcome 20 new female NTOs.

Q. Final question. You’ve been doing well till now. Is there anything you are worried about or is there anything that will determine the success of the event?

A. There are only three words that need to leave my lips “Education, Education and Education.” This is the key to success. Our staff is always studying and learning and that will ensure our success. Additionally I believe that the event can only be successful if the citizens and volunteers from Daegu give their full support. Currently most of them lack knowledge about our event and athletics as a whole. Therefore intensive training is required for our volunteers, and our staff is ensuring their expertise.

Epilogue

During my interview with Mr. Kim, I found him to be a very passionate person. This interview might be an inspiration to not only to the staff and citizens but also to young athletes. He emphasized that this event is not only limited to the Daegu area but it is a world-wide festival being hosted by Korea. He hopes and believes that Daegu will become a well known international city through this event just like Seoul did after 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.