Empty stadium, boring distance races, missing the three biggest names in athletics right now (Ingebrigtsen, Lyles, Duplantis), Middle of the road production, does anybody seriously think this will succeed? Johnson's interpretation of track being only about racing is neglecting part of what makes middle-distance and distances races extremely comepelling (The times). Only good thing about this league is that these athletes get paid correctly.
Empty stadium, boring distance races, missing the three biggest names in athletics right now (Ingebrigtsen, Lyles, Duplantis), Middle of the road production, does anybody seriously think this will succeed? Johnson's interpretation of track being only about racing is neglecting part of what makes middle-distance and distances races extremely comepelling (The times). Only good thing about this league is that these athletes get paid correctly.
Thoughts?
I think it’ll last 2 years and then the $30M will dry up.
They need to make changes for the next event on the fly. Put in bonuses for leading at halfway if under a certain time (like at 5th avenue mile). Something to spice it up.
Empty stadium, boring distance races, missing the three biggest names in athletics right now (Ingebrigtsen, Lyles, Duplantis), Middle of the road production, does anybody seriously think this will succeed? Johnson's interpretation of track being only about racing is neglecting part of what makes middle-distance and distances races extremely comepelling (The times). Only good thing about this league is that these athletes get paid correctly.
Thoughts?
Listen, I agree.
it simply comes off as any other track meet. I am not understanding what is special? Looks like a Diamond Meague without fans.
i do think Miami will be a sell/out as its a tiny track in Miramar so that will be fun.
And if I’m those star athletes who skipped out, I’m kicking myself about Prize Money.
That's the only thing to be kicking themselves about. Kipyegon took home $60,000 for running a 4:04.8 at Athlos. But the fans do not care how much $$ the runners are getting. Offering the runners the largest purse in track and field history did not put anyone in the stands tonight.
It needs to be in a packed stadium with good production, said this on the other thread but Arcadia will have way better production quality and it’s a high school meet.
I love it. It's not perfect but I like that they talk more in depth about the athletes and there were definitely a few surprises. I think starting in Jamaica was a mistake. Not enough Jamaican big names and if nothing else everyone knows Jamaica cheers for their own exclusively.
This meet has potential if they can simplify it even more. The world NEEDS Sydney vs. Paulino/Thomas in a flat 400. The 400h doesn't have the depth to be exciting and it's just the Sydney show. Have the grouping be 200, 400, 400h and have the long sprinters and hurdlers meet in the middle.
For distance, get rid of the 5k. Go 800, 1500, 3k. Have the 3k specialists meet the 800 runners in the middle.
And if I’m those star athletes who skipped out, I’m kicking myself about Prize Money.
That's the only thing to be kicking themselves about. Kipyegon took home $60,000 for running a 4:04.8 at Athlos. But the fans do not care how much $ the runners are getting. Offering the runners the largest purse in track and field history did not put anyone in the stands tonight.
Exactly. There is a little bit of novelty in knowing that some of the top athletes are getting paid well, but ultimately, the novelty is in watching the best stars run at their best. That includes Jakob and Mondo in diamond leagues and Lyles at the Olympics. Nobody cares about these runners who aren't even at their best.
I still don't understand how dropping field events and expecting more engagement makes sense; they add value to the meet and make it so there's something to watch at all times, especially when they're closely competitive.
Field events are DEI hire - don't belong in American sports. Distance races don't either - boring and for skinny dweebs. Good for Johnson to focus on sprints - the only thing of value in the sport. Lyles is a show-boater, really missing Tebogo though.
Field events are DEI hire - don't belong in American sports. Distance races don't either - boring and for skinny dweebs. Good for Johnson to focus on sprints - the only thing of value in the sport. Lyles is a show-boater, really missing Tebogo though.
But he is not focusing on sprint events, so I know u r kidding