USA Track & Field President Vin Lananna Announces Shock Decision to Step Down
In a stunning turn of events, USA Track & Field (USATF) President Vin Lananna has announced his decision to step down from his position, effective immediately. The news, which came during a press conference late Thursday afternoon, has left the track and field community in shock, as Lananna has been a key figure in the sport’s leadership for over a decade.
Lananna, who has led USATF since 2016, cited personal reasons for his departure but did not go into further detail during his brief remarks. His leadership was instrumental in navigating USATF through a period of growth and challenges, including significant investments in athlete development programs, a greater push for diversity and inclusion, and organizing successful events like the 2020 Olympic Trials and the World Athletics Championships.
“I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done during my tenure, but now is the right time for me to step aside and allow new leadership to take the helm,” Lananna said. “I have great faith in the future of track and field in the United States, and I look forward to seeing the continued success of our athletes and the sport as a whole.”
Lananna’s decision comes as USATF is in the midst of preparing for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where Team USA is expected to contend for multiple gold medals. His unexpected exit raises questions about the impact this will have on the organization in the run-up to the Games, as well as on the broader track and field landscape.
A search for Lananna’s successor will begin immediately, with USATF’s board of directors expected to play a crucial role in the selection process. Until a new president is named, Vice President of Administration, Carla Cox, will assume leadership of the organization.
The announcement has left many in the sport wondering about the future direction of USATF under new leadership.
