IAAF creates Hall of Fame for track and field

[March 09, 2012]  ISTANBUL (AP) -- The IAAF has created a Hall of Fame that includes Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis and Fanny Blankers-Koen among the first 12 inductees.

The Hall of Fame, which marks the 100-year anniversary of the IAAF, will have an inaugural class of 24 athletes. The remaining 12 inductees will be announced later in the year but before the IAAF Centenary Gala on Nov. 24 in Barcelona.

The IAAF says criteria for induction include winning at least two Olympic or world championship gold medals and setting at least one world record. Athletes must be retired for 10 years before becoming eligible.

The other inductees are Abebe Bikila, Paavo Nurmi, Emil Zatopek, Al Oerter, Adhemar da Silva, Ed Moses, Betty Cuthbert, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Wang Junxia.

[Associated Press; By CHRIS LEHOURITES]

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