State Historical Society of Iowa

Drake Relays, 2008, Lolo Jones

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Iowa native Lolo Jones breaks her own Drake Relays record in 2008, winning the 100 meter hurdles.
Courtesy of Drake University Digital Collections. Drake Relays, 2008, Lolo Jones

Description

The Drake Relays have been a part of Iowa’s history since 1922. Athletes from around the world head to Des Moines to compete on the famed blue oval track and high school students from across the state strive to qualify to run at the Relays. Olympic champion and Iowa native Lolo Jones has made frequent appearances at the Relays and has contributed to the cultural identity of Iowa through sports.

Source-Dependent Questions

  • Lolo Jones is a world champion track and field athlete who has competed in Olympic games. Any time she competes at the Drake Relays is a newsworthy event in Iowa. Why do you think athletes like Jones and Shawn Johnson are important to the people of Iowa?
  • The Drake Relays have been an important part of track and field events in the United States since the early 1900s with world champions competing every year. How do sporting events contribute to the identity of a state?

Citation Information

Drake Relays, 2008, Lolo Jones. Drake University Digital Collections