Let's Talk

Tim King

• Please discuss your journey and background in track & field.
  • I started working as a track and field official in cross country meets in 2001. It started with my son running and I slowly got involved. I fell in love with the sport and officiating the sport. I have worked my way up over the years. This past summer, the work and dedication paid off when I was selected to work the Olympic Trials in Eugene.
• Please provide insight about roles you have had within USATF.
  • USATF official, USATF KY Cross Country Chair, USATF KY Vice President - 8 years, USATF KY President for the past 3 years.
• What are your roles and responsibilities as President of the USATF Kentucky Association?
  • My main role is to make sure our association is fully accredited. My other role is to grow our association in memberships, sanctions, and becoming financially sound. Another goal of mine is for our association to be a leader in USATF. I feel we are making strides towards that goal.
• Can you discuss how you are able to balance being USATF Kentucky President and your personal life?
  • Balancing my personal life can be a challenge at certain times of the year. One of the blessings I have is that my whole family is involved with the organization. My oldest son, Kurtis, does videos for many of our meets. My next son, Aaron, has started officiating and has grown into a great official. My other three children, Beth, Alex and Katie, come to the meets and help where needed. My wife, Kenni, has become a licensed official and helps me in more ways than I can count. She is always there to support me. We also spend a lot of time together away from the track on our boat or by taking family vacations.
• Discuss any challenges you may have faced becoming USATF Kentucky President. If any, how did you overcome those obstacles? 
  • The year 2020 was a major challenge for anyone involved in USATF: not being able to have events, lower memberships, and trying to make sure we did not lose a lot of finances. We were able to withstand the storm due to our planning in previous years. We also overcame putting on the first USATF meet of the year in not ideal conditions. This was due to the great people we have in USATF KY.
• Can you discuss why you decided to host the 2020 and 2021 Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships?
  • It was a goal I had when I was elected as President. I wanted to host these events because it’s a great event to host. We have a great group of officials and officers to put on a great event. I wanted to show the rest of the country why I think we have the best people in the business. These meets were part of my goal of becoming one of the leading associations in the country. Hosting the JOXC Championships allows us the opportunity to put more money back into the association.
• What advice would you give other Associations interested in hosting a Youth National Championship in their area?
  • Don’t be afraid to apply and take a chance at putting on a Youth National Championship meet. These meets have a huge economic impact in the community. It’s imperative to gain knowledge and ask questions to other associations who have hosted these meets. The USATF family is great to share successes and failures to help someone be successful.
• What advice would you give youth pursuing a career in Track & Field?
  • Chase your dream. The track & field world is a great community to be involved in. It is truly one large family.