BOSTON – Getting the creature off to a flying start, USA Track & Field’s new mascot was officially named “Spike” on Saturday at the adidas Boston Indoor Games, the first stop on USATF’s 2003 Indoor Golden Spike Tour. The mascot christening on live national television was the dramatic conclusion of an eight-week election process to choose a moniker for the furry blue creature.

“The process of introducing and naming our new mascot has been one of the more fun and colorful moments in recent USATF history,” said Craig Masback. “Spike emerged as the clear favorite, and he embodies what mascots are all about – he’s fun, high energy and personable. That will enhance his appeal with the young children for whom this mascot is targeted.”

Unveiled December 5 at the Opening Session of USATF’s Annual Meeting, the mascot caused a commotion when USATF posted its photo online and invited fans to submit names. More than 4,000 suggestions for a name were submitted on USATF's Web site during one month of nominations, and Spike was one of the first nominations.

Online voting on the new name began January 6, with six names making the list of finalists and more than a dozen “fun” names also being posted on USATF’s Web site. More than 4,000 ballots were cast in round 1 of the voting, with “Spike” and “Tailwind” emerging as the two front-runners. “False Start” was the winner among the fun names, and on January 23, Masback called for a run-off to determine the new name.

Spike got off to a fast start in voting, putting an early, 3-1 gap on False Start and Tailwind. Though False Start closed strongly, it couldn’t catch the eventual winner in the final three days of voting, which closed at 11:59 p.m. on January 29. More than 5,000 votes had been cast. In all, more than 20,000 submissions or votes were turned in as part of the mascot-naming process.

Spike will be a part of efforts to brand USATF and the sport of track & field. He is wild and zany on and off the track and will interact with fans, take part in crowd giveaways and pose for photos. He will promote fitness, healthy and active lifestyles and will work to enable children to connect with the sport of track and field. All USATF Golden Spike Tour Events and select other track meets will feature Spike.

Spike also will make appearances in several communities with Team USA athletes in a campaign to promote the importance of physical fitness among young people.