Join our complimentary sports newsletter for the most recent updates on a wide range of topics, including cycling and boxing.
and updates
Register for our complimentary sports newsletter to receive the most recent updates and news.
This year, World Athletics will experiment with a different approach for the long jump in an effort to decrease the number of fouls during competitions. However, many have voiced their disapproval of altering this traditional event.
Information from the previous year’s World Championships in Budapest showed that 33% of tries resulted in no-jumps as participants strive to exceed the capabilities of the board. This is a concern for World Athletics as it detracts from the excitement of the competition.
The CEO of World Athletics, Jon Ridgeon, stated on the Anything but Footy podcast that the upcoming format would allow all jumps to be legal as long as they are taken from a designated “jump zone.” The distance would then be measured from the point of take-off.
The suggestion could potentially result in longer distances being reached, but it may also lead to criticism of the sport for lowering the necessary level of skill. This is because athletes would no longer have to master the timing of their approach.
“We will measure the distance between the takeoff point and the landing spot in the pit,” stated Ridgeon. “This means that every jump will be taken into account, adding to the excitement and intensity of the competition.”
“We will conduct tests throughout the year in real-life situations with highly skilled athletes. If it does not pass the testing phase, it will not be implemented. Additionally, we are exploring methods to provide instant results so that users do not have to wait 20-30 seconds for the outcome to appear.”
Legendary American long jumper and coach, Carl Lewis, expressed his disapproval of the plans on social media, stating: “April Fools jokes are supposed to wait until April 1st.”
He stated: “I believe this supports my previous statement that the long jump is the most challenging event in track and field. This proposal would essentially remove the most difficult aspect of the event. It’s like making the basketball hoop larger for free throws because there are a lot of missed shots. What are your thoughts?”
.
The era of meticulously crafted take-off boards may soon come to an end.
The strategy is a component of a broader effort by World Athletics to modernize the sport and increase declining viewership.
Ridgeon acknowledged that there may be some backlash towards the plan. He stated, “It’s inevitable to encounter controversy when trying to make changes in a sport that has been around for 150 years.” He also added, “I understand that those who have devoted themselves to mastering the old take-off board may initially resist the switch to a take-off zone.”
“We plan on conducting real-world trials this year with highly skilled athletes. If it does not pass the testing phase, we will not implement it. We are not going to introduce anything hastily. Our goal is to spend the next two years thoroughly refining and perfecting it. Our focus is not just on the next year, but ensuring that our sport remains suitable for the next 150 years.”
Social media comments indicated that fans of athletics generally agreed with Lewis regarding the issues with the proposal, which would result in the removal of a crucial skill from the jumping events.
“I disagree with this idea,” wrote @charlie_pearce on Twitter. “It completely alters the essence of the competition. What else will be changed, such as adding the clearance margin to HJ/PV heights or measuring Javelin throws from the release point? And how would it be implemented in smaller meets?”
@ConlansDad tweeted: “In the past, long jumpers were judged on both their distance and their accuracy in hitting the board. Should we also allow shot putters to step out of the designated ring? Should relay baton passes be allowed anywhere on the track without a designated passing zone?”
Source: independent.co.uk
