I know athletics is not everyone's cup of tea but I don't know of another sport that can provide so much excitement than can be generated in the final few seconds of a race.
Relays are great because it doesn't simply boil down to who has the fastest runners and there are so many variables
Went to the morning session as well - great atmosphere and got to see the relays up close.
We're going this evening; looking forward to it! How long do we need to leave to walk from Stratford tube, queue and get through security etc to get in. Can you take a bag in with jackets for later, binos etc? The guidance says you can take in a soft sided back up to 25l with a small amount of food nut we'd like to take a second bag aswell.
I can't think of a time in my near 50 years when I've been less interested in Athletics. I don't believe I'm alone either . It's a sport that has to evolve or die.
Anyone watching the walking? Looks so painful to me but can appreciate they're walking faster than most people can run.
it can be painful and really easy to pick up injuries if you don't train for it. there are 2 events which clubs often struggle to get someone to compete in when their specialists are not available, walks and the high hurdles. these are also the only 2 events we would never pressure anyone into competing in because of the injury risk
Anyone watching the walking? Looks so painful to me but can appreciate they're walking faster than most people can run.
it can be painful and really easy to pick up injuries if you don't train for it. there are 2 events which clubs often struggle to get someone to compete in when their specialists are not available, walks and the high hurdles. these are also the only 2 events we would never pressure anyone into competing in because of the injury risk
What about pole vault? I've often wondered how get started with that
I can't think of a time in my near 50 years when I've been less interested in Athletics. I don't believe I'm alone either . It's a sport that has to evolve or die.
Of course that's your view, but it remains incredibly popular. Over 700,000 tickets were sold for this week's championship, the previous record was 419,000 from Berlin 09. This after the unprecedented demand seen in 2012 Olympics and solid demand for Anniversary games every year.
What doesn't help is outside of Championships the dire coverage attached to it. BBC have the Diamond League rights yet don't really show live, just some highlights 3 days after the event. Who is really interested in watching races they already know the result from.
We need one or two new British world champs to emerge over the next couple of years. Like cycling, strong UK performance completely swamps the negatives created by doping concerns
Anyone watching the walking? Looks so painful to me but can appreciate they're walking faster than most people can run.
it can be painful and really easy to pick up injuries if you don't train for it. there are 2 events which clubs often struggle to get someone to compete in when their specialists are not available, walks and the high hurdles. these are also the only 2 events we would never pressure anyone into competing in because of the injury risk
What about pole vault? I've often wondered how get started with that
the thing with pole vault is that the starting height in club comps can be as low as 1 metre, actually lower than high jump which normally starts at 1.10, so it's not actually dangerous getting a novice to have a crack just to pick up a point for the team
Anyone watching the walking? Looks so painful to me but can appreciate they're walking faster than most people can run.
it can be painful and really easy to pick up injuries if you don't train for it. there are 2 events which clubs often struggle to get someone to compete in when their specialists are not available, walks and the high hurdles. these are also the only 2 events we would never pressure anyone into competing in because of the injury risk
What about pole vault? I've often wondered how get started with that
the thing with pole vault is that the starting height in club comps can be as low as 1 metre, actually lower than high jump which normally starts at 1.10, so it's not actually dangerous getting a novice to have a crack just to pick up a point for the team
Brendan, don't retire! Carry on doing the thing you love, it keeps you young and we will miss you. What a night. how will Doha compete in 4 years? How will the athletes compete in the heat? Crazy, give the championships to the countries that love athletics, simples.
Absolutely fantastic week. Lucky enough to have gone 3 times and been glued to the box for the rest of the week. Football and cricket will always be main sports but there is something very unique and special watching top quality athletes. Feel very privileged to have seen Mo. Bolt our 4*100 teams and enjoyed many other events. Hope we get it back soon!
Absolutely fantastic week. Lucky enough to have gone 3 times and been glued to the box for the rest of the week. Football and cricket will always be main sports but there is something very unique and special watching top quality athletes. Feel very privileged to have seen Mo. Bolt our 4*100 teams and enjoyed many other events. Hope we get it back soon!
I think from a financial perspective the IAAF will be dying for it to come back to London again and very soon!
We are brilliant at putting these events on, no other nation would have shifted 700,000 tickets for these Championships.
Brendan, don't retire! Carry on doing the thing you love, it keeps you young and we will miss you. What a night. how will Doha compete in 4 years? How will the athletes compete in the heat? Crazy, give the championships to the countries that love athletics, simples.
I just hope that they realise that they're hosting it in two years time.
There is genuine concern (aired by Brendan and co) that the sport will be in danger of terminal decline if allowed to fester in Athletics backwaters, before sparse, disinterested crowds in empty soulless stadiums. Athletics must be allowed to recover from the massive problems it has been - and is facing - around doping issues and the loss of its brightest superstar. It needs to be promoted in an upbeat, positive fashion, like it has in London.
Brendan also started to air his concerns about the stadium's athletics guarantee over the next 25 years, before being cut across by Gabby Logan - she does that a lot.
Comments
Not sure what drinks you can take in but we had a bag full of snacks for the kids
What doesn't help is outside of Championships the dire coverage attached to it. BBC have the Diamond League rights yet don't really show live, just some highlights 3 days after the event. Who is really interested in watching races they already know the result from.
We need one or two new British world champs to emerge over the next couple of years. Like cycling, strong UK performance completely swamps the negatives created by doping concerns
We are brilliant at putting these events on, no other nation would have shifted 700,000 tickets for these Championships.
Brendan also started to air his concerns about the stadium's athletics guarantee over the next 25 years, before being cut across by Gabby Logan - she does that a lot.
Dipping at the finish line