The man who expresses himself like this deserves to be listened to. Michael Johnson, 46, quadruple Olympic champion between 1992 and 2000, still world record holder in the 400m (43 sec 18), is worried about the future of his sport. And he said it without nuance, in Qatar, where he was the guest of the second edition of Doha Goals. Without fear of damaging the International Athletics Federation (IAAF) in the process. Interview.
FrancsJeux: In your eyes, what state is athletics in today?
Michael Johnson: He is doing badly because he has not evolved. Nothing has really changed since my running days. However, I stopped my career 12 years ago. We lose fans regularly. We will therefore also lose partners and broadcasters. Some sports have made efforts in recent years to adapt to the demands of television. In athletics, resistance is still too strong to consider modernization.
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate athletics?
I would give it 4 out of 10.
Where is the problem?
In the format, first. A track meet is a nightmare for a television channel. Jumps, throws, sprints, middle distance, long distance... there are too many events. In the United States, broadcasters have given up, athletics is no longer televised there. But, honestly, who really cares about women's discus throwing? But the problem also comes from the IAAF. During my time, she had the idea of creating a “Golden Four” bringing together the four largest meetings, Berlin, Zurich, Brussels and Rome. Then we moved on to the “Golden Six.” Then there was the Golden League. And now the Diamond League. The public has difficulty following. I myself couldn't tell you how to go about winning the Diamond League today.
What is the solution?
Before thinking about solutions, we should already recognize that our sport is going through a difficult period and admit that it must evolve. The ideas will come later. But I think we should stop focusing on stars and records and focus more on man-to-man competition. Breaking a world record has become far too difficult, and therefore rare, to bet everything on it.
With Usain Bolt, athletics has nevertheless got its hands on a champion and a personality capable of attracting the general public...
It's true. But I find that the IAAF is not treating the phenomenon as it should. Today, the International Federation is pleased to have it and hopes that it will last as long as possible. It is insufficient. She should negotiate a real partnership with him, to contribute to his promotion and the transition to that of athletics.
Would you be willing to get personally involved to help modernize this sport?
No. I know my qualities. Today, I am in business, a field where I have acquired skills. To move things forward, we must integrate the leadership circles. But I certainly wouldn't be elected.
