ROBBIE MADDISON JUMPS FOOTBALL FIELD
While everyone was out getting drunk on New Years, Robbie Maddison was busy establishing himself as the next Evel Knievel. Already a superstar in his native Australia, motocross beast Robbie Maddison secured his spot in the Guinness Book of Worlds by jumping his motorcycle 322 feet 7-1/2 inches over the length of a regulation football field.

‘Maddo’ shattered the previous record of 277 feet at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, while golden boy Shawn White, MotoGP World Champ Nicky Hayden and Evel’s family cheered him on. The jump was the first-ever Red Bull Experiment, which involves world-class athletes attempting world-first athletic achievements. “I came here to jump a football field,” said Maddison. “Conditions weren’t perfect, but I’m happy with the result. Yesterday in rehearsal, I went 350 feet and I knew 360 feet was achievable. We did all we could, but the winds played a bigger factor than we planned. But this is called the Red Bull Experiment, and we didn’t know what the outcome would be. I just want to thank everyone that made this jump possible and a big thanks to all the fans who came out to support me. This is just the beginning.” ‘Maddo’ dedicated his world record-breaking feat to Evel, and also hold two additional world records-for the longest jump on a 125cc motorcycle (221 feet) and the longest jump with a trick (246 feet). (Redbullusa.com)

NO BULL FROM MANUTE BOL
The second-tallest player in NBA history is better known for his activism for Sudanese refuges. “Good afternoon, my name is Manute Bol, and I am from the Sudan.” Said the 7-foot-7-inch beast who tore up the NBA for 10 years. January 1st marked 52 years of Sudan’s independence from British rule, yet most people living in Sudan still fear for their lives. So, as the presidential race heats up, Manute Bol and hundreds of Sudanese from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, South Dakota and other parts of the U.S., gathered at the west side of Iowa’s State Capitol building in Des Moines, today, for a press conference and rally. Led by Manute Bol, the event entitled: “Cry for Peace and Freedom in Sudan,” aimed to be the largest and most diverse showing of Sudanese in the U.S. All of the candidates were invited to attend or send statements to be read at the press conference. “The question we want to ask is, ‘If you become president of the United States, what can you do for Sudan, for Darfur and for southern Sudan?’ ” Bol said. He was one of about 10 speakers who repeatedly demanded that the United States pressure Sudan into strengthening its comprehensive peace agreement. (desmoinesregister.com)

And just a few facts: With over 400,000 killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in the last four years, Darfur, in Western Sudan, is the scene of modern-day genocide. Since 1983, another genocide has taken place in South Sudan with over 2.5 million killed and over 5 million displaced. The Government of Sudan has attacked and destroyed other areas of its country, including the Nuba Mountains, Beja and the Shilluk Kingdom. Since 1993 the U.S. has listed Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism. Sudan is the largest country in Africa and the 10th largest country in the world. For more info and how to help, visit CryPeace.com or Sudansunrise.org.

A MEETING WITH PHIL
Remember that great Crowne Plaza “Place to Meet” campaign which featured David Feherty attempting to moderate an entirely unscripted conversation with golf fanatic George Lopez, avid golfer Alice Cooper, and golf great Lee Trevino, among others? Well, this year it looks like Crowne Plaza has one-upped themselves with their latest marketing campaign. PGA Tour professional Phil Mickelson has been selected as the face of their latest campaign that gives golf fans a chance to appear with Phil in a national TV ad campaign.

Beginning January 3 through February 25, 2008, visit ameetingwithphil.com, and submit your story or video for a chance to participate in a series of six, 30-second spots. You got advice for Phil? Submit it. Ever been hit by one of Phil’s balls? Submit it? Do you look like Phil? Submit it. Think you’re his biggest fan? Submit it! Mickelson will interact with real golf fans and take part in an unscripted conversation for ‘The Meeting With Phil” campaign to be aired April through September. Open casting calls in various U.S. cities will also be held to further generate attention for the campaign with the first casting call and audition to be held at the Crowne Plaza Times Square in New York City on January 22. “I’m really looking forward to meeting and spending time with my fans face-to-face,” said Phil Mickelson. “I’m flattered that Crowne Plaza thought of me as they launch this new campaign. I think it’s going to be fun.” This year’s Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial will be held May 19-25 at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.