Athletes react to Diamond League decision to axe track events

The IAAF’s decision to cut the 5,000m, 200m and 3,000m steeplechase along with the discus and triple jump from most Diamond League meets has elicited dismay and disapproval from athletes and fans, who took to Twitter to express their disapproval. Athletics Kenya posted a series of tweets commenting on the decision, and steeplechase world record-holder Beatrice Chepkoech commented that the decision will “kill careers.” 

RELATED: Diamond League cuts 3,000m steeplechase and 200m from 2020 final

The IAAF said the decision was based on having to narrow down the number of events to fit into a 90-minute broadcast window, and wanting to show fans the most popular events. And that though the 200m is one of the more popular events, it would make the schedule too “congested” to have it along with the 100m, which is the most popular event with fans.

The steeplechase will still be run at the Diamond League meets in Rome, Oslo and Doha but will not be broadcast. The meets will now include a 3,000m flat event. Earlier this year, the Diamond League announced it was cutting the 5,000m, and the 10,000m will only be run at the meet in Eugene, Oregon.

Here’s a selection of reactions to the decision.

Very excited to announce my newest idea: The Platinum League!

-200m
-5000m
-Steeplechase
-Triple Jump
-Discus

Other events need not apply.

— Kyle Merber (@TheRealMerb) November 6, 2019

Wow no 200m pic.twitter.com/ixgpjsiCy4

— Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) November 6, 2019

I’m disappointed. Cutting events isn’t the solution for exciting TV. Don’t blame athletes/events @iaaforg. We compete and put on a show. Racing is exciting & compelling. It’s on you to translate that. I guess our efforts & contributions racing & promoting the DL mean nothing ??‍♀️

— emma coburn (@emmajcoburn) November 6, 2019

How do you promote athletes when you cut their source of livelihood???‍♂️

My only worry is where will upcoming athletes get the 13:13 standard?Hope they put the focus on the small continental meets as they have promised because track is dying?

— Paul Chelimo????? (@Paulchelimo) November 7, 2019

In a shocking turn of events the Diamond League has committed a murder-suicide.

What’s crazy is no new fans are going to watch this “COOL” DL coverage and now a lot of the big time supporters of the sport can’t even tune in for their favorite events.
??‍♂️??‍♂️??‍♂️

— Parker Stinson (@parkerstinson) November 6, 2019

I always thought the steeple was the most thrilling event but perhaps I'm slightly biased. C'est triste de voir qu'ils mettent l'emphase sur la popularité et non sur la diversité du sport. Overall people we need to keep supporting sports and work to inspire the next generation. https://t.co/Lh8urQNFXS

— Geneviève Lalonde (@lalongen) November 7, 2019

RELATED: Diamond League drops 5,000m

Erm…?!? @Diamond_League pic.twitter.com/o1ABEHKGtn

— Adam Gemili (@Adam_Gemili) November 6, 2019

Wooof way to alienate many of the current stars in the sport @iaaforg. Have we tried reducing meet dead time? How about a clear and concise Diamond League season, so that someone could actually follow this sport like they do any other? Ah, wait, the athletes are the problem. https://t.co/OicUFFbhUy

— Joe (@JoeBosshard) November 6, 2019

Watching the men's shot put start to finish in Doha was way more exciting than watching Wayde break the 400m WR and Bolt win the 100m in Rio.
Please give us dedicated live streams. It's honestly the least @iaaforg could do! https://t.co/jYSUwCpOL5

— Evan Dunfee (@EvanDunfee) November 6, 2019

I said in 1997 that the Golden/Diamond League would be a disaster for the sport. With the present structure, it is impossible to have the sport that we all crave. The only hope is for ALL athletes to leave the federation system and negotiate with the IOC for the Olympics. https://t.co/1BIXmgmIwI

— Carl Lewis (@Carl_Lewis) November 7, 2019

steeple WR holder Beatrice Chepkoech says Diamond League event change will kill careers. https://t.co/zNQ6XQSb6G

— Track & Field News (@tandfn) November 6, 2019

The @iaaforg getting rid of the 5000m & now the Steeple at the @Diamond_League. That there is what we call the last straw. I’m done with that shitty organization.

— Rob Watson (@robbiedxc) November 6, 2019

Maybe the Diamond League should scrap all races longer than 100m, and add a hand-timed 40-yard dash as a True Measure of Speed.

Gotta give fans what they want, right?

— Morgan Campbell (@MorganPCampbell) November 6, 2019

So because people can't be bothered to watch 2 hours of dreadful DL broadcasts, reducing it to 90 dreadful minutes will make them want to watch?
The problem isn't pace or duration, the problem is completely incompetent and outdated broadcasting.

— Bames Jond (@iownabook) November 6, 2019

A disaster for the sport of distance running. More athletes will head straight to the roads now and skip out track completely. https://t.co/q4sFaf0siO

— Adharanand Finn (@adharanand) November 6, 2019

Bullshit decision. These events aren't the 'issue' with athletics. There are many things you could work on first. How about making it easier to follow the bloody league in the first place? https://t.co/yrobBbphz3

— Sara Treacy (@sara_treacy) November 6, 2019

1) The @Diamond_League was officially released last night for the new season of 2020. The events covered indicated that some events have been excluded particularly the long and middle distances where Kenya and regional athletes are good at.

— Athletics Kenya (@athletics_kenya) November 7, 2019

2) It is good to note that 10,000 metres has not been part of Diamond League event but Eugene will continue to hold it in their 2day event. 3,000 metres steeplechase events will have 10 included out of 14 DL meetings within the broadcast window and will earn prize money.

— Athletics Kenya (@athletics_kenya) November 7, 2019

3) Our athletes both men and women will therefore still have good meetings to choose from and good earning potential. 3,000m SC will also feature strongly in the continental tour which will be announced later after council approval

— Athletics Kenya (@athletics_kenya) November 7, 2019