Visa - Official Sponsor

Visa, a proud sponsor of USATF since 1988, has played a crucial role in athlete development in the sport of track and field. Visa began its support of track and field with the men's decathlon and women's pole vault events. Since Visa's involvement, the United States has broken world records and won gold medals, including at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, as well as the 1999, 2001 and 2003 World Outdoor Championships.

In 2004, Visa renewed its commitment to USATF and the World's #1 Track and Field Team through 2008. The expanded involvement of Visa in USATF elite athlete development continues Visa's long-standing commitment to helping USATF develop the country's preeminent track and field athletes. "Visa is very proud to be an integral part of the Olympic journey USA Track & Field athletes will follow on their path to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games," said Michael Lynch, senior vice president, event and sponsorship marketing, Visa USA.

In addition to extending its relationship with USATF, VISA strengthened its ties to the sport of track and field by entitling USATF's series of nationally televised, elite track & field events, now proudly known as the VISA CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Formerly called the Golden Spike Tour, the VISA CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES gives American athletes the opportunity to compete at home, to receive increased television and other media coverage, and to be paid significant prize money based on performance. Beginning in 2005, athletes will have the opportunity to participate in an athlete bonus program that will culminate with awarding four athletes the title of VISA CHAMPION and presenting each athlete with cash and prizes for their exceptional performances.