American athletes require domestic acclaim before the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, as stated by Coe
Michael Johnson, the four-time Olympic sprint gold medallist, was forced to cancel the final meeting of the Grand Slam Track series in Los Angeles due to financial losses. The series, which aimed to showcase American talent, struggled to stay afloat.
Seb Coe, the president of World Athletics (formerly IAAF), expressed concern about the lack of recognition for American athletes in the lead up to the Los Angeles Olympics. He highlighted the challenge of achieving fame for American athletes, even though they are extraordinarily talented, as they still walk with relative anonymity in their hometowns.
The Grand Slam Track series, featuring only track and no field, was unable to take place in its entirety due to financial difficulties. However, it was able to recruit US Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas and 400m hurdles world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Despite the struggles, Coe views these events as a way to build interest in the sport rather than a one-off occurrence.
The American track and field team is considered one of the best in the world. Athletes are often bombarded outside hotels in Zurich during major events. Yet, the athletes who did not participate in the Grand Slam Track series remain relatively unknown outside their hometowns, primarily because they did not compete in this high-profile international event, limiting their exposure and recognition beyond local or regional levels.
Athletics remains a minority sport in the United States, notably on television. Coe, speaking at the Diamond League finals in Zurich, emphasized the importance of showcasing national talent on a domestic stage. The program for the third meeting in Philadelphia was cut from three days to two, further indicating the financial struggles faced by the series.
Despite the difficulties, the athletes who participated in the series received a platform to showcase their talents. The reigning men's and women's Olympic 100m champions Noah Lyles and Julien Alfred did not participate in the series. Athletes have yet to receive their appearance fees and prize money from the Grand Slam Track series, adding to the financial woes.
The world championships were held in Eugene, USA in 2022, marking a significant event for American athletes. Previously, World Athletics held the world junior championships in Eugene in 2014 and the world indoor championships in Portland in 2016. Kenya topped the world championships in 2015, while Russia dominated in the world championships in 2001.
The US track and field team has topped the medals table at the world championships 15 times, demonstrating their consistent dominance in the sport. Coe expressed the need for efforts to be made to help the American track and field team in terms of recognition. As the Grand Slam Track series struggled, it remains to be seen how American athletes will find their way to the spotlight in the future.
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