Hiruni,Elite athletes disappointed over World Athletics’ decision

Two- time world Championship participant and USA based Sri Lanka marathoner Hiruni Wijayarathne is ‘quite disappointed’ about the decision taken by World Athletics to extend the Olympic qualification till 1 December, where an athletes’ performance during the intervening period will not be taken into account for qualification or world ranking.

“I’m actually quite disappointed. I’m in good shape. The extension means there is no use of running a marathon in September-November. Boston, London, Berlin, New York and many other big marathons happen during this time (following postponement due to Covid19). Ideally I would have had a chance to hit the Olympic standard in September; then again in January and final chance in April 2021. Now there are only one or two chances,” said Hiruni, who is in quarantine in her home in Colorado, USA.

Hiruni was targeting the Düsseldorf Marathon in Germany to achieve Olympic qualification. At this marathon last year she ran a personal best of 2 hours 34 minutes and 10 seconds which was a new Sri Lanka as well as South Asian record. She needed to run within 2 hours 29 minutes and 30 seconds to achieve direct Olympic qualification, which is 15 minutes and 30 seconds faster than for the Rio Olympic qualification which was 2 hours and 45 minutes, a time which Hiruni can run with ease.

But with Covid19 cancelling or postponing many scheduled marathons, including Düsseldorf, and several others such as the London Marathon in April, Hiruni is now forced to wait another year to try and achieve her target.

“It’s hard to keep motivated and this whole year is a waste,” said a disappointed Hiruni. Also with the advent of winter in October which will go on for two-three months, means even though qualification period starts on 1 December, it won’t be possible to run any marathon in December.

“Yes, it’s much better to train now through summer and race a marathon in September. Training during winter is very difficult,” said Hiruni.

Italy based sprinter Yupun Abeykoon, too, is faced with a similar situation, with winter starting in November and going on till April, and he said he may have to come back  to Sri Lanka to compete during those months.

Meanwhile, Olympians and elite international athletes have voiced their opinion regarding the decision taken and several of them have conveyed their disappointment about not having been a part of a ‘greater dialogue’ before such decision was taken.

US triple jumper Christian Taylor, two-time Olympic champion (2012, 2016) and four time world champion, tweeted that the Athletes’ Union (Twitter ID-@WeAreTheSport ) he formed last year, which has a wide range of members comprising elite athletes around the globe, could have given a broader perspective regarding the matter.

“I am very disappointed that the larger athletics body was not spoken to when making this decision. It’s a progressive step to see that the Athletes Commission was influential. Yet, I believe @WeAreTheSport would have brought greater/broader perspective to the table,” tweeted Taylor.

They shared a survey among several athletes around the globe to get feedback regarding the decision.

Two-time Australian Olympian steeple chase runner Genevieve Gregson, too, wasn’t happy about the decision.

“World Athletics announced that no OG standards will count until Dec 1st. Athletes trying to stay motivated by running fast this year & qualifying for next years OG, where does this leave them? Isn’t this premature? If the world can heal by August??, why can’t these months count?” tweeted Gregson.

“Pretty disappointed about this decision. Even if COVID-19 clears up in some countries and it’s safe to compete, WA takes away a MAJOR motivation to run fast this year. I understand freezing the World Rankings but I feel achieving the Olympic Standard should still be on the table,” tweeted 3000m steeple chase Olympic Silver medalist Evan Jager from USA .

“You just took away the biggest motivation for MANY athletes that still train hard and as good as they can qualify for the Olympics. This decision increases stress, kills motivation and takes away hope. I think it’s the worst decision that could have been made. MANY are devastated,” tweeted former European indoor champion hurdler Eline Berings from Belgian.

Reigning 3000m Steeple chase Commonwealth Champion from Jamaica Aisha Praught-Leer, too, took to twitter to show her disappointment about the decision, as well as tough qualification standards despite the present world situation where athletes’ are in lockdown.

“I’m a middle distance runner and I don’t like this. Making the most limiting statement possible before we see how the Covid-19 situation evolves seems premature. Why couldn’t we have had a preliminary freeze, with a wait and see option? The argument ‘if I can’t have it nobody else can’ doesn’t resonate with me. If others can race and I’m sheltered in place, great! It gives me something to watch and motivation to return with intent. Athletes must be selected by their Federation for Olympics, so the time isn’t a guaranteed deal. These standards are VERY HARD. You can have a successful career and maybe hit the standard 1 or 2 times in a 10 year career. For most, achieving the standard takes the right pacing, the right conditions, training to be just right, being in the prime of your career and etc.” tweeted Praught-Leer raising her voice against the WA decision .

There were several who supported the decision, too.

“This is definitely the most fair decision across the board and it will reduce stress due to uncertainty,” tweeted reigning Greek Olympic and world champion pole vaulter Katerina Stefanidi who was quite vocal about postponing the Olympic Games before.

World Athletics announced on Tuesday (7) the qualification period for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is suspended effective from 6 April 2020 until 30 November 2020 included, following consultation with its Athletes’ Commission, Area Presidents and Council.

“Athletes who have already met the entry standard since the start of the qualification period in 2019 remain qualified and will be eligible for selection by their respective Member Federations and National Olympic Committees, together with the other athletes who will qualify within the extended qualification period. The end of the Olympic qualification periods are 31 May 2021 (for 50km race walk and marathon) and 29 June 2021 for all other events,” said the governing body World Athletics.