Suspension of Olympic qualification gets cool reception

[ad_1]

The determination by the governing physique of athletics to droop Olympic qualification till December because of the coronavirus outbreak has obtained a cool reception from some Tokyo hopefuls.

World Athletics introduced on Tuesday that qualification for the Tokyo Olympics, which is able to now happen in July and August subsequent yr, would restart on December 1, topic to the worldwide state of affairs returning to regular.

“Pretty disillusioned about this determination,” former Olympic steeplechase silver medallist Evan Jager posted on Twitter.

“Even if COVID-19 clears up in some nations and it’s protected to compete, (it) takes away a significant motivation to run quick this yr.

“I perceive freezing the world rankings however I really feel attaining the Olympic Standard ought to nonetheless be on the desk.”

Measures to regulate the coronavirus have pressured many athletes into self-isolation, whereas most main meets and marathons within the first half of the yr have been postponed.

Athletes want to achieve sure qualifying marks to be obtainable for choice for the Olympics by their nationwide federations.

The qualifying interval began in 2019 and, after the suspension, will proceed till the tip of May for the marathon and 50 kilometre race stroll, and June subsequent yr for all different occasions.

Jamaican middle-distance runner Aisha Praught-Leer thought the choice was untimely and would have an effect on the power of athletes to earn sponsorship by attaining Olympic qualifying occasions (QT’s).

“Running for QT’s was the final modicum of hope many may cling to in 2020,” she posted on Twitter.

“Most don’t generate income. Most are doing all the pieces they will to have a shot. Why make a blanket assertion after we don’t know what the long run holds and take away the one lasting energy an athlete has in 2020?”

Christian Taylor, twice Olympic triple leap champion, welcomed the truth that the Athletes Commission of World Athletics had been consulted over the choice however thought wider opinion ought to have been solicited.

“I’m very disillusioned that the bigger athletics physique was not spoken to when making this determination,” the American posted on Twitter.

“We want better dialogue. We want transparency. We want observe by.”

The put up Suspension of Olympic qualification will get cool reception appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

[ad_2]