The season is almost at an end. The only thing left is the Diamond League final. A two day competition between the top Diamond League contenders. Always a good competition, and a nice end to the season. So why is the controversy this year? Well, because Sydney McLaughlin Levrone has decided that she wants to run! But didn’t I say that the meet is a competition between the top Diamond League contenders? Yes. Therein lies the rub, because Sydney doesn’t compete in the Diamond League, at all. That being the case, the Diamond League said no to Sydney, as they should have. Angering some people. How dare they turn Sydney down! She’s one of the world’s top athletes and they want to see her run. Not letting her run would be shooting the sport in the foot! So, the proverbial chant of “let her run, let her run” began to spread across the internet. Of course, there are also those saying, you shouldn’t break the rules for Sydney. That’s not fair.
In response to all of this hoopla, the Diamond League created two new races for Sydney to run in. A 200m and 400m that are not part of the Diamond League final, but are part of the meet. Creating a situation that EVERYONE is still talking about, because no one is really happy! Those who wanted her to run are unhappy because she’s not running against the best athletes. Of course the other group doesn’t like the fact that the Diamond League conceded and is letting her compete!
So, since everyone is commenting, I’ll give my opinion. I see it differently than both of those sides! Here’s my position. I agree with the original decision of the Diamond League. No, Sydney should not run. She’s not been competing, and didn’t earn the right. I do understand the other position however. We don’t see Sydney enough, so let her run. That’s good for the sport! Ironically however, that’s why I believe she shouldn’t be allowed to run! I know you’re confused, so I’ll explain.
The great irony in this situation is that fans are starving to see Sydney compete! THAT is horrible. Fans are willing to do ANYTHING, and have the sport do anything, to get her on the track! Including break the rules. “We want Sydney, we want Sydney, break the rules”! That is bad for the sport and simultaneously illustrates what’s wrong with the sport. Ironically I wrote something last week on this topic, that I’ll upload after Brussels. For today, I’m simply going to say that Sydney’s not competing is BAD for the sport. And that, in my opinion, giving her two races in this meet is REWARDING that behavior! And THAT is a bad precedence, and also bad for the sport. Yes, seeing Sydney run is always good. However, to quote the character Switch when she dies in the Matrix, “not like this”.
The sport needs Sydney competing regularly in track and field. Just like the other stars of the sport. Fans shouldn’t be so starved to see her compete that they are willing to break rules and fight with each other to get her into a competition! So, that’s my opinion. I too want to see her compete. If she did she would’ve already been in Brussels and no one would have any reason to be upset. Instead of everyone being upset. A sad situation for a great meet. Or as my grandfather used to say, can’t win for losing.