Ethiopian Athletics Federation Formerly Protests IAAF Decicion to Eliminate Distance Running from Track

Kenya expected to follow suit. Plan to marshal support from all African federations. Hopefully the beginnings of a challenge to the Coe tyranny.

https://twitter.com/evelynwatta/status/1106211289259491329?s=21

Prediction: there will be little or no support coming from Western federations and media, who largely agree, and it’s going to come down to Africa and Asia pushing back at this. Hopefully this results in Coe and his acolytes being bundled out of office.

Perhaps this is how the IAAF eradicates epo from the track.

they should boycott the 2019 season

I think everything will be okay but I can understand why some or many Ethiopians may be upset. Since 1960, I believe Ethiopia has been the most successful nation in Olympics and World Championships, 5000m & 10000m. I am sure the Brits would be very angry if 1500m were dropped and no similar event added. Same for USA in 200m &/or 400m.

Subway Surfers wrote:

Perhaps this is how the IAAF eradicates epo from the track.

Nah. It’s how they eradicate Africa from the track. The only sport in the world where western money and science has failed to keep up with raw talent from two less wealthy countries. The only sport where athletes from the so-called ‘third world’ are as visible as the rich west has to offer.

Bad Wigins wrote:

they should boycott the 2019 season

Or better yet, start a rival league for 800 - 10,000m. It’s Impossible to enjoy distance eents for what they are when they keep cutting to field events.

El Keniano wrote:

Kenya expected to follow suit. Plan to marshal support from all African federations. Hopefully the beginnings of a challenge to the Coe tyranny.

https://twitter.com/evelynwatta/status/1106211289259491329?s=21

Prediction: there will be little or no support coming from Western federations and media, who largely agree, and it’s going to come down to Africa and Asia pushing back at this. Hopefully this results in Coe and his acolytes being bundled out of office.

El Keniano,

This has been a very tough week for Africa (and especially East Africa) what with what happened in Ethiopia on Sunday. As if that wasn't enough, Coe and his henchmen lose their marbles.

This man is from the country that once prided itself as the empire on which the sun never sets.

WELL, HISTORY AND TIME HAVE NOT BEEN KIND TO THEM.

In my opinion, in tennis, this is what we call unforced error and in football, it is what we call an own goal.

They think they can do what they did and then get away with it.

Just think about this: at the Diamond League meets, long distance gets to go but shot put gets to stay.

We'll now watch shot put

the hammer, discus, javelin and the jumps.

Oh, how we all love watching hefty men apply talc on their necks, hold that orb, spin and then put the shot and then roar!

I don't bet but if I were a betting man, I'd bet that the next thing to go will be the marathons. It is not out of the realms of possibility for these people to do something about it.

If the issue is television, then, they can let the events stay. The only thing is that they will not be televised.

I think the television thing is a non sequitur.

I am glad that we have opposed this dumb idea together with the Ethiopians. They didn't even see the need to inform us but then again, even during the scramble for Africa, they never did.

I think it is up to us to hold Coe's feet to the fire and as you mentioned, several Asian countries should perhaps state their stand. Coe must be axed! Power seems to have got into his head.

I personally think the US is not for this but then again, in this crazy world, anything goes. This is the same way the discussion on cross country began and we (Africa) handled it appropriately because we are the ones who have the runners.

Now, they've decided to go a step further and as someone said, they will totally eliminate these events at the worlds and the Olympics. Once they do that, crazy Coe might just as well add the 60m dash, 60m hurdles and break dancing.

Meanwhile, fencing, trampoline, equestrian and that thing (discus shaped thing with a handle) you throw, then, wipe the shiny waxed floor with something that looks like a broom..................and I don't know what else, get to stay.

In different times, this would be funny if it wasn't insane.

Coe thinks being a Lord makes him a deity. Atajua hajui.

NativeSon wrote:

Coe thinks being a Lord makes him a deity. Atajua hajui.

Na bado, NativeSon. Wabeberu na washenzi washindwe!

El Keniano wrote:

NativeSon wrote:

Coe thinks being a Lord makes him a deity. Atajua hajui.

Na bado, NativeSon. Wabeberu na washenzi washindwe!

Nakuelewa.

Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke.

Wapumbavu wamekojolea kazi.

NativeSon wrote:

El Keniano wrote:

Na bado, NativeSon. Wabeberu na washenzi washindwe!

Nakuelewa.

Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke.

Wapumbavu wamekojolea kazi.

Any chance you two lovebirds could get a room?

Coe is a tactical idiot, like he was on the track. Always running on lane two or three.

Kenyan and Ethiopian federations should boycott all iaaf events.

I agree with the decision. In the past year we have had the sudden emergence of 5,000m and 10,000 runner boys who come out of nowhere when Mo steps off the track. Whatever drug entered the market last year obviously can't be detected yet. If all these new guys can't be banned for doping then this is the perfect punishment Take away what they intend to put to use their doping. I have more respect for Coe now. He has brains.

Banana Bread wrote:

I agree with the decision. In the past year we have had the sudden emergence of 5,000m and 10,000 runner boys who come out of nowhere when Mo steps off the track. Whatever drug entered the market last year obviously can't be detected yet. If all these new guys can't be banned for doping then this is the perfect punishment Take away what they intend to put to use their doping. I have more respect for Coe now. He has brains.

This dropping 5000m and 10000m and adding 3000m has absolutely nothing to do with anyone suspecting 5K/10K runners of using PEDs. 3000m is the longest running event which can be aired sans television commercial breaks. All races longer than 800m do not get exciting until last 800m. 3000m simply means the real racing starts five minutes or so into the race. You're argument is weak. The same men racing well at 5000m will also race well at 3000m.

I e read your past posts and found you too quick to claim racism.

But I’m saying now that this new policy is racist.

Of course British poster boy Mo Farah is finished his track career so now Seb Coe makes this move.

It’s ridiculous, the 5000m is part of track and field history and should not be wiped from the DL circuit.

Banning the Russians and ignoring other countries with equally dubious records on doping (China, Turkey, Spain, Greece) was racist too.

We have strange, politically motivated times in athletics just now.

You are clearly an idiot. This iaaf politics could lead to separation of distance running. After all there is a lot more money on the streets than 100m or javelin throw.

card counter wrote:

You are clearly an idiot. This iaaf politics could lead to separation of distance running. After all there is a lot more money on the streets than 100m or javelin throw.

Exactly!

What a shame that the beautiful blend of events that make up track and field is under threat. What next - separate leagues for sprints, jumps, throws?

How is it not possible to air sans television by getting rid of some of the commercial breaks or making bigger gaps between breaks. Do the cameramen get tired filming and need breaks every few minutes? When I watch a movie(DVD or on Netflix) there is no commercial breaks. Can the camera men here not film running so we can get rid of stupid commercials. They serve no purpose but to annoy us.