Olympic gold winners tout youth track in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A pair of decorated Olympic medalists came to St. Louis Thursday to promote a new youth track program at a convention of physical education teachers.

Former track stars Carl Lewis and Jackie Joyner-Kersee unveiled the “Run Jump Throw” program at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance’s national convention. The program is a joint effort of USA Track & Field and The Hershey Co.

The program is designed to introduce children ages 7 through 12 to track and field through basic skills training.

Lewis won nine Olympic gold medals and 10 overall. Joyner-Kersee is a native of East St. Louis, Illinois, who won three Olympic gold medals, one silver and two bronze.