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I’m a middle distance runner and I don’t like this: a thread. https://twitter.com/worldathletics/status/1247540077380562944">https://twitter.com/worldathl...
Making the most limiting statement possible before we see how the Covid-19 situation evolves seems premature. Why couldn’t we have had a preliminary freeze, with a wait and see option?
The argument “if I can’t have it nobody else can” doesn’t resonate with me. If others can race and I’m sheltered in place, great! It gives me something to watch and motivation to return with intent. Aths must be selected by their Fed for OG’s, so the time isn’t a guaranteed deal.
Mid-d is driven by the Oly QT Standard. Shoe contracts are heavily awarded to those who can “run the time”, races are paced to hit the time and all pursue the standard prior to a Nat’l Trial so the best racers can rise to the top and be selected—odds (and spon $) favor those w/QT
These standards are VERY HARD. You can have a successful career and maybe hit the standard 1 or 2 times in a 10 year career. For most, achieving the standard takes the right pacing, the right conditions, training to be just right, being in the prime of your career and etc.
Running for QT’s was the last modicum of hope many could cling to in 2020. Most don’t make money. Most are doing everything they can to have a shot. Why make a blanket statement when we don’t know what the future holds and remove the only lasting power an athlete has in 2020?
The World Rankings are going to be a mess with Covid-19. Athletics has existed without this for many years and has been just fine. Go back to the standard system through this uncertain time and bring the rankings back when the world has healed.
