Track & Field needs to eliminate all time/performance qualifiers

oregontrackfan1 wrote:

Track will never break into the mainstream when the optimal way to qualify for major events is to run a secret time trial with your training buddies.

I don't blame Hocker/Teare, BTC the last decade, and the numerous other athletes over the years who have optimized their ability to hit these difficult time qualifiers. They're doing their best to have success in the current system.

But track and field will never become popular and expand into the mainstream when this is the system.

Olympic/World qualifiers need to be based on participating and placing in major meets. If you want to show up at the championships you should need to beat other runners and earn your place. Running a non-televised time trial in your backyard shouldn't count for anything.

If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Fans need to be able to follow whats actually happening. It needs to be obvious and upfront. NBA teams can't qualify for the playoffs by putting up points in an empty gym.

Why would the casual fan ever decide to buy a subscription service and sit down and watch a track meet if none of it matters because the best athletes are hiding in the dark optimizing their training. It will never work.

oregontrackfan1 wrote:

Track will never break into the mainstream when the optimal way to qualify for major events is to run a secret time trial with your training buddies.

I don't blame Hocker/Teare, BTC the last decade, and the numerous other athletes over the years who have optimized their ability to hit these difficult time qualifiers. They're doing their best to have success in the current system.

But track and field will never become popular and expand into the mainstream when this is the system.

Olympic/World qualifiers need to be based on participating and placing in major meets. If you want to show up at the championships you should need to beat other runners and earn your place. Running a non-televised time trial in your backyard shouldn't count for anything.

If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Fans need to be able to follow whats actually happening. It needs to be obvious and upfront. NBA teams can't qualify for the playoffs by putting up points in an empty gym.

Why would the casual fan ever decide to buy a subscription service and sit down and watch a track meet if none of it matters because the best athletes are hiding in the dark optimizing their training. It will never work.

shootpost wrote:

oregontrackfan1 wrote:

Track will never break into the mainstream when the optimal way to qualify for major events is to run a secret time trial with your training buddies.

I don't blame Hocker/Teare, BTC the last decade, and the numerous other athletes over the years who have optimized their ability to hit these difficult time qualifiers. They're doing their best to have success in the current system.

But track and field will never become popular and expand into the mainstream when this is the system.

Olympic/World qualifiers need to be based on participating and placing in major meets. If you want to show up at the championships you should need to beat other runners and earn your place. Running a non-televised time trial in your backyard shouldn't count for anything.

If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Fans need to be able to follow whats actually happening. It needs to be obvious and upfront. NBA teams can't qualify for the playoffs by putting up points in an empty gym.

Why would the casual fan ever decide to buy a subscription service and sit down and watch a track meet if none of it matters because the best athletes are hiding in the dark optimizing their training. It will never work.

Agree.

Vince Ciattei showing up to the Des Moines road mile and beating everyone in whatever the time was way more impressive than Cooper Teare running 3:32 and beating no one.

It is a race, a competition, get rid of the clock. Get rid of time qualifiers. Race your way into championships.