2020 Diamond League changes anger Kenyans
Kenyan’s world champions in 3,000m steeplechase Beatrice Chepkoech and Conseslus Kipruto have been left unimpressed by the decision by athletics governing body IAAF to ensure Diamond League meetings no longer feature the 200m, 3,000m steeplechase, discus or triple jump at all of its events in 2020.
IAAF said it did research on the popularity of events and wished to cut the length of meetings for a “90-minute broadcast.”
There will be 12 disciplines staged at each of the 15 Diamond League meetings and the 3,000m steeplechase and 200m will feature at 10 meetings.
None of the four disciplines removed from the ‘core’ list will form part of the Diamond League Final in Zurich in September.
“I have won everything really there is in the event, so the question is not what next for me. I am worried more of the juniors who are looking to make a name and living out of the event,” said Kipruto.
“But again, Athletics Kenya does not have representation at the IAAF’s decision making organ. That is where the problem lies,” he added.
Chepkoech, who set her world record of 8:244.32 at the 2018 Monaco Diamond League, says with the current trend, even the 1,500m could be struck off in the coming years.
“From the trend, it is like athletes in long and middle distance events are being targeted. The countries that will be affected more are Kenya and Ethiopia. Athletics should be done on the track and not boardrooms,” she said.
