With the Olympics breathing on our shoulders, we are getting the best of the track and field athletes just two months into 2024. The prolific year started with the New Balance Grand Prix, which was a contentious trailer of the bigger picture. Following, the Millrose Games and the USATF Indoors gave us history makers to sing praises of. Though everything looks very streamlined, there are things we can’t look past at all.

When Grant Holloway made history at the USATF Indoors by earning the title of the WR holder in 60m hurdles, he couldn’t find his run in any of the streaming platforms. After the issue stirred the internet significantly, the long jump event is making headlines now. Is the World Athletics infuriating athletes for some reason?

Track and field stars jump in with their concerns

World Athletics has garnered negative attention for altering the format of the long jump in the Olympics. The authority has decided to introduce a take-off-zone, instead of the traditional wooden board. The absence of the board will not let the athletes score points if their foot crosses the zone. Aiming to reduce nullified jumps, World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon said that it will also look to provide a seamless experience to spectators and athletes alike. But the current and former track and field icons did not take well this so-called good move. The Instagram story of a TF insider reads, “Here are just a few of the reactions from past & present jumpers..”

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Long jump virtuoso Dwight Philips said, “I don’t agree with this concept… Will they create a zone with an invisible line for TV viewers?
The field events are already great let’s try to pay more money to these highly skilled athletes”. Chiming in, the Serbian long jumper Lazar Anic said, “If they are serious about it, they should have conducted thorough research before going public with this.. they should have created a poll…” This wasn’t all. Several others showed up with their complaints.

Athletes disheartened over a decision that came out of nowhere

Great Britain Long Jump athlete Jacob-Fincham Dukes sounded like he spoke on his fellow athletes’ behalf. Said, “..So how will this make it more popular…guarantee not one long jumper was consulted about the idea..” Speaking of the long jump, we can’t skip mentioning Tara Davis-Woodhall’s name, whose recent performance broke all standards.

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Leaping a 23 feet, 6 3/4 inches, she not only marked a personal best but bagged a win as well. The second longest in the women’s history and the longest this year, her jump’s limit becomes hard to match now. After the Indoors, it’s time for the Outdoors now, but with the trial ‘take-off zone’ things don’t look so good.

Watch this story: Despite the Loss on Track, Shelly-Ann-Fraser-Pryce Won Hearts at World Athletics Championships