by Andy Gamm | -
The conditions were a little less than ideal this past weekend at Hayward Field in Eugene, OR, but that didn't stop Team Nutrilite athletes Jenn Stuczynski and Sanya Richards from winning their respective events and making the U.S. National Team.
The U.S. National Outdoor Track & Field team will compete at the World Championships in Berlin from August 15 through August 23.
With the top time in the women's 400M, Sanya Richards headlines her team. Jenn bested a tough field and also headlines her team in the women's pole vault.
Here are some quotes from our winners this past weekend (credit to USATF.org):
Sanya Richards – Winner Women’s 400M
On her performance:
“I don’t think this was one of my best races, just by looking at the time, but the wind has been tough at Hayward all week. I just wanted to run smart and make sure I brought it home to win. Now I’m ready to move on and focus on Berlin.”
On her goals this season:
“I want to run fast. I haven’t run a 48 in two or three seasons, but my number one goal is still to win in Berlin.”
On what her experience has taught her:
“I think I learned a lot from last season. I think sometimes I put a lot of pressure on myself at the big meets, and I just need to run relaxed.”
Jennifer Stuczynski – Winner Women’s Pole Vault
On winning the pole vault:
“It was kind of a gutsy event. If it was Thursday, Friday or Saturday I would have pulled out. I have so many nagging injuries going on. Today I was able to compete. I am glad it worked out. Now it’s time to move on and get healthy.”
On the windy conditions:
“It was just me being able to come down the runway. The wind had no play in it at all. Everything was clicking.”
More stories on the events:
Stuczynski survives injuries
Richards claims another title
by Andy Gamm | -
Well, the Nutrilite sponsored track & field events may be done for the season, but there is still a lot of running and vaulting to be done, starting with the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships this weekend in Eugene, OR.
Both Sanya Richards (400M) and Jenn Stuczynski (Pole Vault) are heavily favored to win their respective championships this weekend.
The event will be televised Friday (8-10 pm on ESPN), Saturday (7:30 to 9:30 pm on ESPN), and Sunday (4 to 6 pm on NBC) and can also be viewed via streaming video.
For event schedules, TV times, streaming media connections and information on the National Championships, visit USATF.org.
Good luck Jenn and Sanya!
by Andy Gamm | -
As followers of this blog know, we are on the road a lot with the Nutrilite brand.
We've got a new deal to be a presence at Rock -n- Roll Marathons for the next three years. We've been a part of track & field for over three years now, and that presence is ever-growing. The Nutrilite Mobile Brand Experience is all over the country these days, educating the public about the Nutrilite brand.
One of the most commonly asked questions as we make our way to races and events around the U.S. is - where do we get that cool gear you are wearing. Consumers and IBOs alike love our look. Rightfully so! We've got the sweetest new styles from Nike, Adidas, Brooks, Alo and more. Our logo gear is cool, comfortable and fashionable. It is also practical. We have soccer balls, gym bags, shaker cups - even gift bags, pens and key chains.
The problem is, most can't seem to find it!
Make sure you are sporting your favorite Nutrilite and/or Team Nutrilite gear the next time you are out and about. The traction the brand is getting from our sports sponsorships, Amway Global national advertising and through word of mouth is outstanding but let's make it better than outstanding.
To find a great running shirt, soccer ball, work-out shirt, hat or polo, be sure to go to AmwayGlobal.com and search "Nutrilite Logo."
by Andy Gamm | -
It's good to shake things up every now and then, so rather than another post from me about how our Track & Field presence is going, I thought why not bring you insights straight from the keyboard of a Team Nutrilite athlete?
Jenn Stuczynski is America's all time best women's pole vaulter and the second best ever in the world. Here is a post from Jenn, to give you a look into her world, first hand...
It’s hard to believe that the outdoor season is underway already! I enjoyed my off-season but am excited to be competing again. When I began training for the ‘09 year, my coach had me spend more time than ever on conditioning to make sure that I continue to stay strong as the season progresses. To do this, I focused a lot on the technical aspects of the vault by taking a shorter, slower run than I would at a meet. Thanks to a lot of hard work and great supplementation through Nutrilite, I have been able to stay healthy and make gains in both strength and technique. It is only a matter of time until I begin to apply it to my full competition run. Currently, I am getting ready for the US Nationals in Eugene, Oregon that takes place at the end of June. As for my European schedule, it is still in the making so I will keep you posted!
A lot of people ask me, “Is pole vaulting as hard as it looks?” The answer: YES! Pole vaulting is the biggest athletic challenge I have ever faced. About a month ago, I was going through my college folders and found a note I wrote during one of my School Psychology classes. In it, I described how mentally frustrating the event was. Just when I thought I had applied a skill, there was another one to learn, another skill to correct, another one to enhance and a habit that needed to be broken. Get where I’m going?! There was always something that I was doing wrong, something that I needed to correct and it became so frustrating for me. Fast forward four years…there are times that I still feel exactly the same way. The only difference is I have learned to appreciate the process of training and getting better. I found by charting my workouts in pole vault, running, and the weight room I was able to see my progression. Even if I didn’t clear a higher height at my next meet or I had a bad workout, it helped me to visually see that I was doing what it takes to get better. Sometime you can get lost or caught up in the ‘I want results now’ mode, but everything has a timeline. I would like to say that I have “learned”, but the reality is “I am still learning” PATIENCE! It’s so easy to get overwhelmed but if I keep trying, stay healthy, positive, and be patient great things will happen! Yes…my Olympic Silver is something special which I will never forget. But now…I am looking ahead to future World Championships and hopefully the London Games in 2012.
Although I have not been pole vaulting for as long as my competitors, I have had my share of “ups and downs”. With the “ups” I try to enjoy the moment, appreciate the results but never be satisfied. My coach and I are always evaluating my training, inventing new drills, and refining technique. By doing this I never feel stagnant and there is always ways to improve. However, life is always easier when training is going well! From the time I started pole vaulting, Rick always told me, “It’s when things are going wrong that you need your coach the most”. That is so true! The support cast around an athlete is just as important as the athlete’s ability. Rick knows my goals and aspirations so he never lets me get too discouraged or too complacent. There are always setbacks in athletics but when someone else understands and wants to see you achieve your goals, whether it is a coach, husband, parent, or friend, their support is vital. I am very fortunate to have so many positive people (and my dog Tundra) around me: coach, family, adidas and, of course, Nutrilite. Everyone has played a role in my development and I am very grateful for their support.
I have been with Nutrilite for 2 years now and the experience has been amazing! My first encounter took place in Florida at Achievers 2007. I met so many wonderful people and was impressed with the set-up and organization that took place (and I still am!) It was here that I did my first photo shoot and commercial for Nutrilite! Everyone involved was so friendly it felt as though I knew them for years. That is the biggest thing that I have noticed and loved: Nutrilite is a team and a family. Everybody that I have met are so proud to be a part of and to represent their company. I distinctively remember the first time Nutrilite sponsored a meet, Boston Indoor 2008. I walked in the arena to compete and they had displays set up, full size pictures of me, the big screen was playing my Nutrilite commercial, and IBO’s were set up in a VIP section cheering! Nutrilite sponsors four of the meets that I compete in, and each time I look forward to seeing everyone connected with them. It’s like having an extended family there cheering and supporting me. After the competition is over, I go to the Nutrilite tent and sign autographs where I enjoy meeting new people. I am very proud to be a part of their company and one of their athlete representatives. Nutrilite is a first class company with superior products.
Watch out for me this summer. I’ve got some big competitions ahead.
Below is a picture of my dog, Tundra. He is a Great Pyrenees that weighs 100+ lbs.
by Andy Gamm | -
Nutrilite once again had an outstanding presence at this past weekend's Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, OR. With signage all around the track, thirst-quenching Nutrilite Grape Sports Drink in the hands of athletes and attendees alike and the Nutrilite Mobile Brand Experience inside the gates, it was a perfect win-win-win.
In fact the athletes raved about the sports drink as "refreshing and great tasting and perfect because it wasn't too sweet." Better get your hands on this great product if you haven't tried it before. It's my personal favorite!
To top it off, Team Nutrilite star Sanya Richards posted the best women's 400M time in the world so far this year.
For a complete wrap up, check out the story on ESPN.com.
Check back soon for guest posts from Team Nutrilite athlete's Jenn Stuczynski and Sanya Richards...
by Andy Gamm | -
Named after legendary distance runner Steve Prefontaine, the Prefontaine Classic is the premiere track and field meet in the United States. Athletes must be ranked in the Top 50 in the world in their events to be eligible to compete.
This is the third year of Nutrilite's sponsorship of the Pre Classic, and we have a tremendous presence planned.
For starters, 200 world No. 1 and Olympic bronze medalist Sanya Richards will be representing Nutrilite in the aptly named, Nutrilite Women's 400M race. Sanya will be rematched against Olympic silver medalist Shericka Williams and fellow Jamaican Novlene Williams. Sanya has had tremendous success at Hayward Field, going back to 2002.
In addition to titling the women's race, Nutrilite will have title presence in the Men's 300M race.
Leading the charge in the Nutrilite 300 Meters is Olympic 400 gold medalist LaShawn Merritt, ranked No. 1 in the world in 2008 by Track & Field News magazine. Winner of last year's Prefontaine Classic and Olympic Trials races, Merritt saved his fastest for Beijing, scorching a 43.75 lifetime best, making him the 5th fastest quarter miler in history. He also has the three fastest times thus far in 2009. Also in the race is Olympic bronze medalist David Neville, 300-Meter indoor world record holder Wallace Spearmon, the "X-Man", Xavier Carter, and Trinidad's Rennie Quow.
For those attending the event, Nutrilite will have the Mobile Brand Experience inside the track, where consumers can learn more about the brand and great products, as well as sample myriad Nutrilite products, including sports drink, energy bars, Rhodiola and Concentrated Fruits and Vegetables.
And be sure to catch Sanya at the Nutrilite Mobile Experience after her race, where she will greet fans and sign autographs. The first 50 in line get a t-shirt commemorating Nutrilite's sponsorship of this great meet.
For those who want to catch the action on TV, the meet will be televised live on NBC, from 11am to 1pm PDT, 2pm to 4pm EDT.
by Andy Gamm | -
Okay, so it's not so live anymore thanks to technical issues... but I did capture these thoughts live at the Nutrilite sponsored Reebok Grand Prix held on Randall's Island in New York City this past weekend.
We had a picture perfect day for educating over ten thousand consumers about the Nutrilite brand. It was sunny and warm with a pleasant breeze and the crowd was steady and heavy from noon until well after the gates were opened for the main event.
The Nutrilite tent was brimming with people excited to try our samples and learn more about the brand. The rocket packs - as they always are - were a tremendous hit, offering cool, thirst-quenching grape sports drink to old and young alike. Inside the booth, eager consumers received a Nutrilite track bag, a branded, exclusively designed event t-shirt, and noise-making thunder sticks.
Concentrated Fruits and Vegetables and Rhodiola sample cards were a huge hit, as were the ROC2O Antioxidant Enhanced Stick Packs. But the show-stealer's were the sports drink and the peanut butter pretzel and chocolate nut roll energy bars. Attendees were heard raving about the drink and bars even after the meet started and the rocket packs roamed the concourse throughout the event.
As for the meet itself, well, it was another solid showing for Jenn Stuczynski, Nutrilite's pole vaulter extraordinaire. Jenn easily whipped all contenders with a nice 4.81m (15 feet, 9 and 1/4 inch for the metrically challenged) and made some great attempts at her own American record. Had the wind stayed firmly at her back instead of crossing and swirling a bit, my gut says she would have made the 4.93m (16 feet, 2 inches) she was trying to clear.
In the end, she didn't quite make it, but her 4.81 was the highest in the world so far this year.
After her victory, Jenn spent some time with VIPs in the Nutrilite VIP area, high above the track (what a great bird's eye view of the festivities by the way) and then took 45 minutes with the crowd in a tent on the concourse. She interacted with kids, prospective vaulters and adults alike, once again representing the Nutrilite brand with class.
The rest of the event was a thrill to be a part of as well. Tyson Gay turned in one of the fastest 200m times ever and several other events went to the wire.
Be sure to check us out this coming Sunday as we are on the road with the Nutrilite mobile brand experience for our final Track & Field event of the season - the Prefontaine Classic. The Pre will be seen live, this Sunday on NBC, from 2 to 4 EDT. Our own Sanya Richards will be running in what looks to be a fantastic 400m field.
by Andy Gamm | -
Just back to the hotel after spending six hours setting up the Nutrilite tent, autograph and VIP area for tomorrow's Reebok Grand Prix.
This is my first outdoor event and I love it already. The venue - Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island in New York City - is fabulous. The rain that kept us layered in clouds all day yesterday and this morning has lifted and bright sunshine is the forecast.
We should see one of the best collective U.S. meets in years, with the likes of world champion Tyson Gay, Olympic champion Veronica Campbell-Brown, Olympic silver medalists Jenn Stuczynski and Richard Thompson, former World Champion Lauryn Williams and Sweden's Olympic gold medalist Carolina Klüft in town to compete. So too is Asafa Powell, former world record holder and still one of the fastest men in the world.
Three-time defending pole vault champion at the Reebok Grand Prix Jenn Stuczynski is looking to push herself even further this weekend. “With my training and the way I’ve been jumping,” said Stuczynski, “I hope to get over 5 meters this year.” The Fredonia, New York native will also have lots of crowd support. “A lot of my family and friends are coming down to watch on Saturday,” added Stuczynski.
Look for a "live from the RGP" post complete with photos later tomorrow. And for those who cannot catch this event in person, be sure to watch it live on NBC from 4:30 to 6.
by Andy Gamm | -
Nutrilite, the world's leading brand of vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements is once again a proud sponsor of the upcoming Reebok Grand Prix on Randall's Island, NY.
The event kicks off with some of the finest high school athletes in the area competing in various events at 1pm and gets into full swing with live TV coverage (NBC) at 4:30pm.
Nutrilite's own, Jenn Stuczynski, will be competing in the event, along with many of the other elite track and field athletes from around the world. Jenn will also be signing autographs in both the IBO VIP area as well as for the general attendees.
Consumers will enter Icahn Stadium through a Nutrilite tent, where they will sample Nutrilite Sports Nutrition Energy Bars and Sports Drinks, Rhodiola 110 and Concentrated Fruits and Vegetables. They will also be able to arm themselves with Nutrilite branded ThunderStix, and a limited group will receive Nutrilite event t-shirts.
For ticket information, call 1-877-TIX-TRAC or visit ReebokGrandPrix.com.
I hope to see you at this world-class event - the same event that introduced us to Usain Bolt a year ago...
by Andy Gamm | -
This past weekend marked the opening of the U.S. outdoor track and field season and it was a success for Nutrilite and our athletes.
Nutrilite had a tremendous presence in and around the facility as well as on television. The Nutrilite Mobile Experience offered up samples of energy bars, sports drinks and Concentrated Fruits and Vegetables, in addition to event t-shirts and the opportunity to meet and greet Jenn Stuczynski and Sanya Richards.
UniversalSports.com named Jenn as one of the "winners" from the weekend, with the following to say: "Although she was unable to continue her recent string of records set in Carson, Stuczynski appeared to be in fine form, winning the women's pole vault at 4.76m/15-71/4. On her winning vault, Stuczynski's hip height was way over the bar, prompting her to raise the next height to 4.96m/16-2. After switching to a stiffer pole, Stuczynski had two credible attempts at the height but missed on all three. Considering this is only the third time this season she has taken a full approach, she must be pleased."
Jenn easily captured the win with that vault of 4.76m. “It was a great feeling to compete and do well an event hosted by my sponsor,” said Stuczynski. “I was nervous heading into this week, but this win gives me a ton of confidence as I continue to compete.”
Sanya Richards took a solid second place in the 200 meter just behind one of the world's best 200 meter runner, Allyson Felix.
Next stop is Ichan Stadium in New York for the Reebok Grand Prix. Stay tuned for pre-meet posts and details.
by Andy Gamm | -
The adidas Track Classic is just a few days away and your two Nutrilite superstars - Jenn Stuczynski and Sanya Richards - will be looking to win the women's pole vault and women's 200M respectively.
The week was kicked off by the "Fastest Five-Year Old in L.A." contest. The event pitted three heats of the fastest five year olds in the area against one another in a 60M race. The top three winners in each heat moved on to the finals, which will be staged between the men's and women's 100M event on Saturday. Maybe the next Asafa Powell will be found among these speedy youngsters!
As for the main event, it features some of the best athletes from across the globe. In its history, the adidas Track Classic has showcased track and field superstars from more than two dozen nations, including World Champions Tyson Gay, Jeremy Wariner, Allyson Felix, Meseret Defar and Veronica Campbell-Brown. And of course, don't forget Jenn and Sanya.
The adidas Track Classic is a tremendous showcase for the Nutrilite brand. Whether you attend the event or catch it on ESPN2 (8-10 EDT) this Saturday, our presence will be felt.
The Nutrilite mobile brand experience will be on hand to provide consumers insights into who we are and there will be sample opportunities throughout the stadium - Grape Sports Drinks, Energy Bars, Concentrated Fruits and Vegetables and more!
Be sure to tune in or score some tickets and take in the event in person. Tickets, from $40 (finish line) down to $10, are now available by calling Ticketmaster at 213-480-3232 or visiting www.Ticketmaster.com. For group sales, call 1-877-AEG-TICKETS. Visit the event website at www.adidasTrackClassic.com for updates and more information.
And here are a few more fastest 5-year-old pictures. They're too cute not to post!
by Andy Gamm | -
$10,000 Per Goal from Milan Superstar Awarded to Children’s Charities through the Amway One by One Campaign
Milan, ITALY (May 11, 2009) – Ronaldinho’s 10 goals this season did more than put points on the board for A.C. Milan, they also generated a NUTRILITE donation of $100,000 ($10,000 per goal) through the Amway One by One Campaign to the AC Milan Foundation.
“We have a few games to go yet this season and I’m really hoping to add to that total,” said A.C. Milan Forward and NUTRILITE spokesman Ronaldinho. “I think this is a great program between my sponsor NUTRILITE and my club A.C. Milan because it puts my profession in line with my personal goals to help kids in need.”
“NUTRILITE’s donation will support the AC Milan Foundation in the construction of a state-of-the-art center for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases at the Children’s Hospital Buzzi in Milan,” said Leonardo de Araujo, General Secretary of Milan Foundation. “Once complete, the new center will help almost 3,500 children per year."
NUTRILITE, the “Official Nutrition Supplement of A.C. Milan and the Milanello Training Center”, named Ronaldinho to its Team NUTRILITE endorsement roster last year. As part of their relationship with the two-time FIFA Player of the Year, NUTRILITE, and its parent company the Amway Corporation, appointed Ronaldinho Global Spokesperson for their One by One Campaign for Children.
“In addition to helping his football club through competition on the field, Ronaldinho plays a vital role for us off the field, because he supports Amway’s focus to help children through the Amway One by One Campaign,” said CMO Candace Matthews. “His 10 goals have raised awareness and provided more resources children need to live, achieve, learn - - and of course play.”
* Based on 2008 sales
by Andy Gamm | -
It's been a while since I last checked in. Life is just as crazy as it was before, with events galore and razor-sharp focus on strengthening the Nutrilite brand and awareness around the country.
Now that May is upon us, we're back into our own world of track & field, with a three-event swing in the next 33 days.
First up? The adidas Track Classic in Carson, CA on Saturday, May 16.
This meet draws top talent from around the world, racing at record-setting paces. Just last year, Nutrilite's own Jenn Stuczynski bested her own outdoor American record in the women's pole vault. She will seek new heights this year as well as she chases the world's best - Yelena Isinbayeva. Sanya Richards will also compete in the event. Afterward, both will sign autographs outside of the Nutrilite Mobile Brand Experience.
For those who can't make the event in person, it will be televised live, from 8 to PM EDT, Saturday, May 16 on ESPN2.
For more event information, to check out Nutrilite's brand presence, etc. visit adidasTrackClassic.com.
Stay tuned for information on Nutrilite's final two Track & Field events of the season - Reebok Grand Prix and Prefontaine Classic.
by Andy Gamm | -
It is safe to say, Amway Global and Nutrilite have officially entered into the world of soccer. We are talking full dive in, not sticking the toes in to check the temperature...
It started with an endorsement deal with world-renowned star, two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Ronaldinho. It expanded this past winter with the announcement of a sponsorship agreement with AC Milan - the most successful soccer club in the world.
It did not end there.
Amway Global has entered into four more soccer deals - all on North American soil.
The San Jose Earthquakes of MLS will don the Amway Global logo on their jerseys for the next three seasons. Amway Global and Nutrilite will have a tremendous presence at 15 home games each season, with a branded consumer experience on the concourse for each game, including Nutrilite sampling. The players and staff will also benefit from a tremendous array of Nutrilite products, from sports drinks, protein shakes and energy bars to The Perfect Pack, Rhodiola 110 and Glucosamine-7.
The Los Angeles Sol of the newly created Women's Professional Soccer League will also sport the Amway Global logo as a part of a three-year deal. Nutrilite will enjoy face time with consumers at ten home games per season as a part of the pre-game "Sol City Celebration" - an event that includes sampling, giveaways and more. In addition, the players and staff will benefit from the same set of products as the Earthquakes.
Another win out of the deal with the Sol is an endorsement deal with three-time FIFA Women's Player of the Year, Marta Vieira da Silva (Marta). A particular highlight will be “Marta’s Maniacs in the Amway Global Corner” - a specially branded seating section in the stadium for the most rabid fans of the Los Angeles Sol and its star player.
Finally, Amway Global is proud to announce a three-year commitment to remain the title sponsor of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship.
As title sponsor of the 2008 Nutrilite Canadian Championship, we ushered in a new era for Canadian soccer - one in which the nation’s top three professional soccer clubs (Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC & Montreal Impact) compete in a round-robin tournament for the right to represent Canada on the international stage.
Now, we are ready for bigger and better things and the Nutrilite brand will be there every free kick, yellow card, and thrilling goal along the way!
The sponsorship was recently announced at a press conference in Montréal.
Suffice to say, Amway Global and Nutrilite have shot and scored big with the world's most popular sport.
by Andy Gamm | -
Team Nutrilite pole vaulting sensation Jenn Stuczynski broke the American Record she set less than a month ago this past weekend in Boston.
Jenn jumped a record 15-10 (4.83m) on the very same track she set the record on the first weekend in February. She was also crowned the pole vault champion of the USA Indoor Track & Field Championships, beating the competition by more than a foot.
Jenn narrowly missed winning the overall Visa Championship Series when LoLo Jones ran a 7.84 in the 60m hurdles.
Read more about the event in Boston.