FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The 23rd edition of the Thorpe Cup is right on the horizon as the University of Arkansas is set to play host to the world’s most important nation vs. nation heptathlon and decathlon at John McDonnell Field on July 29-30.

The weekend event is slated to begin on Thursday, July 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Fayetteville Town Square during which delegates from the United States and Germany will be introduced to fans.

The team introductions on the square will be followed by an Olympic sendoff featuring 2016 Razorback Rio-bound athletes Taylor Ellis-Watson (USA, 4-x-400), Omar McLeod (Jamaica, 110 hurdles), Sandi Morris (USA, pole vault), Clive Pullen (Jamaica, triple jump), Dominique Scott (South Africa, 10,000), Lexi Weeks (USA, pole vault) and Chrishuna Williams (USA, 800).

Former Razorback Olympians who will also be in attendance include: Calvin Davis (Atlanta '96), Reuben Reina (Barcelona '92), Brandon Rock (Atlanta '96), Godfrey Siamusiye (Barcelona/Atlanta '92/'96) and Christin Wurth-Thomas (Beijing '08).

Friday’s opening ceremony at John McDonnell Field will kick off the international bout at 4:45 p.m. and continue through until the heptathlon 100 hurdles at 5 p.m. Fans are encouraged to park in lots 55 and 64 and will be granted free admission into the complex.

The competition promises an interactive fan experience as the meet will have designated areas on the in-field where the spectators can take in the action like a coach along the perimeter of an event.

Along with the Razorback Olympians in the crowd, the Thorpe Cup is set to host several current and former U.S. Olympians including Shelia Burrell, Chris Huffins, Kip Janvrin, Barbara Nwaba and Dan O’Brien, as well as former Razorback All-American Alex Gochenour.

SCHEDULE

Friday, July 29

            4:45 p.m.                        Opening ceremony

            5 p.m.                             Heptathlon 100m hurdles start

           5:45 – 7:15 p.m.               Heptathlon High Jump – 1 pit    

            7:45  – 8:15 p.m.             Heptathlon Shot Put – 1 ring     

           8:45 – 8:50 p.m.              Heptathlon 200 meter – 2 heats

            5:10 p.m.                       Decathlon 100 meter start

            5:45 – 6:10 p.m.             Decathlon Long Jump – 2 pits

            6:40 – 7 p.m.                 Decathlon Shot Put – 2 rings

            7:30 – 8:15 p.m.            Decathlon High Jump – 2 pits

            (8:50 PM – 8:55 PM)      Decathlon 400m – 2 heats

                                               

Saturday, July 30

                                          

            3:30 p.m.                        Decathlon 110 HH starts

            4:15 – 5 p.m.                  Decathlon discus – 1 ring

            5:45  – 7 p.m.                 Decathlon Shot Put – 2 rings

            7:40  – 8:15 p.m.            Decathlon Javelin – 1 flight

            8:45 – 8:50 p.m.             Decathlon 1500

            5: p.m.                          Heptathlon Long Jump starts

            5 – 5:40 p.m.                 Heptathlon Long Jump – 1 pit

            6:15  – 7 p.m.                Heptathlon Javelin – 1 flight

            7:30 – 7:35p..m.             Heptathlon 800m – 1 heat

 

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