#44 - Fewer Events, Higher Standards, and (supposedly) Greater Entertainment: The IAAF's Big Announcement

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More people would watch athletics if there were less of it. More athletes would jump higher, run faster, and throw further if they were under greater pressure (the threat of not fulfilling a lifelong ambition by competing at an Olympics) to do so. More interest could be generated and clarity secured if a global ranking system were put into place. More fans would be able to enjoy field events if they took place outside of stadia. That's right; it's all change on Planet Track & Field.
The IAAF have announced reformations to both the Diamond League and the qualification process for Tokyo, and there is nothing we like more at Backstraight HQ than a bit of controversy. That said, it's not all doom, gloom, and rants. Far from it: there are some real merits to the proposed changes, and it's heartening to see those in charge recognising that the current Diamond League schedule is as impossible to comprehend as Jody and Bayo's Twitter handle (they still can't recall it at the first time of asking, and we've been podcasting for nearly two years now...).
On Outdoor Season Eve, we sat down to dissect the announcement, briefly look over the squads heading out for the World Relay and XC Champs, and generally talk athletics. The usual, really.
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