Its decision to distribute bonuses to the gold medalists of the Paris 2024 Olympics earned it an avalanche of criticism from the Olympic movement. But more is needed to disrupt the International Athletics Federation and its president, Sebastian Coe. The body continues to move forward. With one fixed idea: to innovate.
Less than two months before the next Olympics, World Athletics has unveiled its strategy for the 2024-2027 cycle. Its name sums up the philosophy: pioneering change. In short, giving a serious blow to athletics in its current form.
In broad terms, the vision of World Athletics aims to make competitions faster and more spectacular, but also to provide more resources to athletes.
In detail, World Athletics' plan for the next Olympics promises to be a revolution. Not less. The body announces an overhaul of the summer season, including the addition of a new world event at the end of seasons without world championships. Very inspired by the football and FIFA model, it explains that this new feature in the calendar will increase revenue to be redistributed to athletes.
Other new features, the most visible to the athletics public: the events. Without fearing to surprise, World Athletics announces that it has launched a series of tests in all its families of disciplines.
In the races, it plans to launch a mixed 4×100 m relay – not simple – and a steeplechase event over the mile distance (1.609 m).
In jumps, it wants to throw away the traditional take-off board for long and triple jump, to replace it with a take-off zone. The measurement of the jump could be taken at the point of impact of the last foot, thus making it possible to record the actual performance of the athlete. More vague: the establishment of “new methods to decide between athletes in jumps thanks to new technology ».
In the throws, finally, World Athletics no longer seems very satisfied with the rules of two women's events, the shot put and the javelin. It announces a review of the weights of the machines, but without specifying whether they will be increased or decreased. In the current formula, the weight admits 4 kilos on the scale (compared to 7,26 kg for men), and the javelin 600 grams (800 grams for men).
World Athletics makes it clear: there is no question of implementing these test reforms in an authoritarian manner and without consultation. They will be tested in depth, then discussed and debated. In case of failure, the instance will throw them in the basket.
Sebastian Coe explains it: “World Athletics has ambitious plans, a motivated network of more than 200 member federations, passionate athletes, coaches and competition organizers, and a solid foundation built over the past eight years. Innovation (…) will help ensure the future of athletics and raise the level and talent of our athletes. But it all starts with our events and competitions. More events that attract more fans and broadcasters mean more money for our athletes, for our federations and more generally for our sport.»
Last piece of the puzzle: diffusion. World Athletics wants to give a new face to the way athletics, its competitions and its athletes are shown on television. With, very trendy, the production (Netflix?) of a series of documentaries dedicated to the elite.
