July 29 update: We did it! Anselm and Renee report that USATF will assume travel expenses for both of them to Beijing. More details are here. Thanks to all who signed this petition and helped pressure USATF to do the right thing!

World Masters Athletics has chosen Americans Renee Shepherd and Anselm LeBourne to compete in prestigious masters exhibition events at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing. Renee will race the 400 and Anselm the 800.

But USA Track & Field, based in Indianapolis, is supplying only a uniform kit and sundries — and not underwriting their travel expenses, which could exceed $1,500 each.

USA Masters Track & Field, a committee of USATF, did not budget for the Beijing possibility and failed to inform the national office of the potential need. But the parent organization, with an $11 million annual commitment from Nike, has money for its elite team, coaches and managers. USATF should underwrite all expenses not covered by WMA and IAAF.

Please join me in calling on USATF to rectify this oversight and honor our Team USA masters representatives. Reimburse Renee and Anselm for any travel expenses related to their Beijing trip. Better yet, buy their tickets now!