BOSTON February 24, 2008 - Khadevis Robinson is the United States ' most productive 800-meter runner since American Record holder Johnny Gray in the 1980s and 1990s. Gray's career seemed to last forever, including an Olympic final at 36, but he sees greater glory for Robinson, which makes generous sense. He coaches him. Pictured: Khadevis Robinson beats Nicholas Symmonds to become the 800m National Champion on Sunday. This is Robinson's 8th 800m national title victory. The two will race again at the World Championships in Spain.

Rivalries are a Must

What a difference one day makes. Before Sunday's men's 800m dash, the rivalry between Nick Symmonds and Khadevis Robinson was nearly not existent. While a few knowledgeable individuals may have labeled the duo a quality tandem that could really make an impact on the world stage, few were pitting the two against each other.

Now, in less than four news cycles, Symmonds and Robinson are being touted as the greatest rivalry in Track & Field. Whether or not you agree with these two being matched up, I completely agree with the idea of creating rivalry in our sport. Any type of sport, anywhere in the world, thrives off of rivalry. Duke v. North Carolina in basketball, Boston v. New York in baseball, Chicago v. Green Bay in football. Match ups between rivals get the most media exposure each time they face off because of the great battles between these groups in the past and what fans hope to see the next time they face off.

If Sunday was the start of a rivalry between Symmonds and Robinson, then bring it on. Our sport hasn't had an intense dual since...well, I don't remember the last time two American track and field athletes were pit against one another in a fierce battle, and were actually publicized through national media. I suppose the last real track and field rivalry in the United States were the Dan (O'Brien) versus Dave (Johnson) commercials back in the day that Reebok got behind.

In an Olympic year, USATF needs to publicize our sport for all it's worth. Agents and athletes need to promote their product as much as they can. Heroes can be made in our sport this year. Rivalries need to be showcased on the biggest of stages our sport can afford, and our governing body needs to get behind this and support it 100%, with time, energy and money. This is track and field's year to really capitalize what we have to offer and I fear if we don't, our sport will slide back into mediocrity for another four years.

ATHLETICS: KENYA AND USA BOTH BREAK WORLD RECORD IN THE 4X800

BRUSSELS - A Kenyan quartet produced a world record in the 4x800 relay while six athletes remained alive in the $1 million IAAF Golden League Jackpot chase at the Ivo Van Damme Memorial in the Belgian capital on Friday evening, held in front of a capacity crowd of 47,000 that celebrated the meet's 30th anniversary.

Clocking 7:02.43, a Kenyan quartet anchored by world indoor champion Wilfred Bungei improved the previous standard of 7:03.89 set 24 years ago by a British team that included legends Steve Cram and Sebastian Coe. Joseph Mutua (1:46.3), William Yiampoy(1:44.6), Ismael Kombich (1:46.1) and Bungei (1:45.5), beat back a strong challenge by a U.S. squad who reached the line in 7:02.82, also under the previous mark. In fifth when he got the baton from Jebrah Harris, Khadevis Robinson sizzled a 1:44.03 split, the fastest of the entire race, to give the U.S. squad a narrow lead at the midway point. [Note: Statistician Mark Butler clocked Robinson in 1:43.8.] by Bob Ramsak