TDK and Toyota Extend Their Involvement in the World Record Programme

Setting a world record at an IAAF World Championships is an extremely rare feat.

In fact, in the 32-year history of the event, barely 20 world records have been posted making the accomplishment one well worth rewarding.

For the 15th edition of the IAAF's flagship event, set to be staged in Beijing from 22-30 August, the IAAF is proud to present its World Record Programme where athletes achieving a world record will be eligible* for a special world record bonus worth USD $100,000 with the support of IAAF partners TDK (men's events) and Toyota (women's events).

The performance must be an improvement on the existing IAAF World Record. Performances which equal the existing IAAF World Record will not be eligible for a World Record Award.

The last World Record Award to be presented was to the Jamaican 4x100m quartet at the 2011 World Championships, who shared US $100,000 after running a 37.04 and trimming 0.06 from the time the Jamaican quartet set when striking gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

TDK's involvement in the IAAF World Athletics Championships goes beyond the World Record Award as it has been the main bib sponsor (men's events) for all 14 previous editions and will maintain that involvement in Beijing.

The Japanese multi-national electronics company have been involved in the IAAF's flagship competition in an unbroken period of 32 years.

Mr Kazutoshi Kogure, the Senior Manager Corporate Communication Group TDK Corporation, commented: "TDK has continued in its long support of the World Championships because we have felt that the championships, which see the world's top athletes competing to win through their great skills and spirit has a resonance with TDK's own efforts to overcome international competition through the technology and spirit of our winning technology."

Toyota Motor Corporation believes that Toyota shares the same passionate philosophy as the athletes, who strive to push their limits in pursuit of new records. Toyota’s support of the competition comes from the respect for the dedicated athletes and the ambition for the further growth of competition.

The Toyota Motor Corporation has sponsored the women's bibs at each and every IAAF World Championships since the Paris edition in 2003.

A Toyota spokesperson said: "The World Championships are an event where the best athletes from all over the world vie to be the world’s best and the fans bond together by supporting athletes challenging limits. It is a pleasure for Toyota, as an Official IAAF Partner, to be able to share the "one-mind" experience with sports fans around the world. Toyota will continue to support the development of events where world-class athletes aim to achieve the pinnacle of mind and body."

Toyota will also provide 200 vehicles during the IAAF World Championships, which will be used for a variety of purposes including transporting athletes and officials during the competition.

* The payment of prize money and bonuses is dependent upon the usual ratification process, including athletes clearing the relevant anti-doping procedures.

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only