Throughout a media name on Monday, World Athletics presidentsupplied extra insights right into a deliberate new format scheduled to be added to the worldwide athletics calendar in 2026. The modern occasion goals to take care of the game’s momentum by showcasing the “better of the most effective” in athletics throughout non-Olympic and non-world-championship years.
Coe highlighted the importance of this new format, stating, “Though 2026 is also known as a ‘fallow yr’ because of the absence of World Championships or Olympics, the brand new occasion goals to supply a contemporary and totally different expertise for followers and athletes alike.” The final word objective for World Athletics is to include this format into the four-year cycle of athletics competitions.
Whereas the precise format continues to be being fine-tuned and potential hosts thought-about, the first focus is to ship two or three nights of high-quality athletics, that includes the world’s greatest athletes. The intention is to have smaller fields and no heats or cross-heats, creating an action-packed spectacle particularly designed for tv viewers. “We haven’t solely agreed on the format, and we’re nonetheless working with potential hosts right here, so there’s extra to return,” Coe added.
It’s speculated that the brand new format could draw parallels to the prevailing Diamond League Last, which invitations high athletes from every Diamond League meet to compete in a two-day championship occasion.
Coe has served because the World Athletics President since 2015 and is about to face unopposed for a 3rd time period on the upcoming World Athletics Congress in Budapest on Aug. 17, forward of . Relating to potential funding from international locations like Saudi Arabia to boost the game’s progress, Coe emphasised the group is taking a cautious method, stating, “My default place is that funding from any nation or sector seeking to enter our sport could be checked out very fastidiously.” He additionally identified that the chief board has beforehand declined investments from sure sectors and international locations, indicating that any potential funding would bear thorough analysis earlier than being accepted.
As athletics fans eagerly await additional particulars on this new format, the prospect of witnessing a condensed showcase of top-tier athletes and exhilarating performances in 2026 guarantees to be a game-changer for the game.