Olympic Gold Medalist Ray Armstead Provides
Training Instruction for Area Educators

September 20, 2007 – GO! St. Louis started off its weekend of kickoff activities with a special training seminar for area physical educations teachers and professionals in the field of youth fitness.

Almost 100 people attended the one hour workshop at Parkway Northeast Middle School on Thursday evening. Armstead shared his knowledge of training techniques and proper running mechanics in an effort to help youngsters perform better.

Students from University City High School, North East Middle School and St. Gerard Majella in Kirkwood helped Armstead illustrate proper stretching techniques and emphasized how important breathing exercises are for young athletes.

The technique portion of the workshop was follow by a lengthy question and answer session, which allowed teachers the opportunity to ask Armstead a variety of questions.
Hailed as one of St. Louis' greatest athletes; Armstead ranked in the World's Top 10 in the 400 meters for two years; ranked in the United States Top 10 for two years in the 400 meters; Running the second leg in the 4x400 meter relay in the 1984 Olympic Games at Los Angeles with Sunder Nix, Alonzo Babers and Antonio McKay, he turned in a time of 43.97. The foursome won the gold in a time of 2:57.91-at that time the second fastest time ever and the fastest ever at that altitude. Armstead was also a Gold Medalist at the World Cup in the 4x400 Meters Relay in Australia, in 1985. 

Look for more exciting fitness workshops and events during the year, as GO! St. Louis has expanded its mission to educate and provide fitness and nutrition resources for the community.

For photos of this event click here!

This story was also featured in the St. Louis American. Check out the story here.