It’s done. The World Championships of Track and Field were finally held in the United States. Or as we were constantly reminded, in Oregon. So, how did it go? I mean, everyone (talking heads of the sport) said that this meet was really needed to help “build” awareness of the sport in the United States. I disagree, and will tell you why in another post. I do believe that with this being the first fan accessible championship since Doha (I.e. Covid) that it was important to have a good meet. And we did get that!
As far as the US goes, Team USA showed out! At the end of things, American athletes won 33 total medals – a record. That included medal sweeps in the men’s 100, men’s 200, and men’s shot put. Also gold/silver in the women’s pole vault. We got an American record from Noah Lyles in the 200, 19.31. And a WR from Sydney McLaughlin in the 400H, 50.68! Clearly competing at home was a good thing, because this was a total turn around from last year and Tokyo.
It wasn’t just competing at home however. The yelling and screaming of the fans benefitted everyone. Yes, the loudest cheering was bestowed upon Americans. But everyone competing in the stadium was cheered. Resulting in WR’s in the men’s pole vault by Mondo Duplantis (SWE) of 6.21m (20′ 4.5″), and a sizzling 12.12sec in the women’s 100H by Tobi Amusan (NGR). Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson sped 21.45 to win the 200 – only the WR is faster. While Kenyan Faith Kipyegon crushed the meet record in the 1500 with her 3:52.25! From event to event there was excitement and outstanding competition in literally every event. So, from that aspect, this was a very successful event.
Of course, nothing is perfect. Perhaps the largest imperfection of the meet were the disqualifications of various athletes for false starts – without seeing anyone move! That’s because the calls were made by electronic starting blocks that indicated that pressure was released “too quickly” though there was no actual movement of the athlete. The worst of these occurred in the men’s 110H where world leader Devon Allen was put out of the race. Denying everyone a head to head between him and eventual winner Grant Holloway. Perhaps the biggest travesty of the meet.
Off the track, one of the biggest complaints for Americans was the way the meet was televised here in the US. Because while as usual the rest of the world for to watch plenty of live competition. NBC held much of its programming for Prime Time. Forcing some fans to purchase other streaming options. This is a constant here in the US, and USATF needs to address this in its television contracts.
Another issue that was verbalized repeatedly was the “empty seats” in the stadium. Not that the stadium itself was empty, because it was not. Neither was it full however. And I will just throw out there a common “issue” that was floating around the internet. The cost of attending the meet. Not just the cost of seats, but the cost of getting to, and staying “near” Eugene. Because one doesn’t just fly into Eugene. Nor does one just get a four star hotel in Eugene. Getting there is a trek, and that comes at a cost. And should be looked at when looking at attempting to bring Worlds back to America. Which we should.
At the end of the day, it was great competition. And that is how we rate a meet. Did it help track and field in the US. I’ll will take a look at that in an upcoming post. Next up however, will be the European Athletics Championships which begin August 15th. This is going to be the summer of track and field.