Track group calls for change of Olympic protest rule
The IOC earlier this year reiterated its support of the rule that restricts protests inside the lines at the games. But in the aftermath of protests that stemmed from George Floyd's killing in May, the committee said it would consider measures that would allow athletes to make stronger protests. Among the board members signing off on the statement are Allyson Felix, Christian Taylor, Emma Coburn, Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Berry was an outspoken critic of the USOPC earlier this year when it made public shows of solidarity with Black athletes, suggesting the USOPC never reached out to her on the issue. The USOPC has formed an athletes' group to look into ways to combat racism, which could include calling for changes in the rule known as Rule 50.
Track and field adapts for storied meet held in 7 venues
(AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)GENEVA In a track and field season almost entirely wiped out by the coronavirus pandemic, athletes and organizers are setting new marks in creativity. On Thursday, the storied Weltklasse meet will broadcast near-live from Zurich in an ambitious mix of social distancing and technological innovation. If this is what the new normal is for this period then lets attack it full on, the reigning Olympic and world champion said. Simply running on an actual track surface Felix in California, Taylor in Florida will be different with training facilities closed during the pandemic. Four months in the planning, the most complete track meet of the outdoor season is not expected to be a template for the near future.
Naser was under investigation when she won world 400 gold
Salwa Eid Naser was already being investigated for missing doping tests when she raced to an upset win in the 400 meters at the world track and field championships. The Athletics Integrity Unit confirmed Sunday that Naser was already under scrutiny for three whereabouts failures prior to her world championship win in Doha in October. That means that Naser could be stripped of her gold medal if she's found guilty. The Nigeria-born sprinter, who represents Bahrain, surged past Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo to win in 48.14 seconds, the fastest time since 1985. Three violations within 12 months can lead to a suspension if the athletes cant justify why they werent available for testing.