Skipped, not motivated: Top athletes shun World Athletics Indoor Championships
International Competitions are underway, yet several prominent figures choose to abstain.
While the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, loom, it seems that many big names are simply prodding pass. This is far from the norm in many sports, especially with the upcoming event. As for Germany's representation, only a scant few athletes will grace the tournament with their presence.
No shot put Olympic champ Yemisi Ogunleye, no long jump queen Malaika Mihambo and double European champ Gina Lückenkemper are among the absentees from the German Athletics Association (DLV) roster. International stars like 100m Olympic champ Noah Lyles from the USA and Dutch 400m runner Femke Bol won't be a part of the competition either.
However, some athletes like Swedish pole vault world record holder Armand Duplantis have decided to make the pilgrimage to the event.
Coronavirus chaos: Indoor championships postponed, European prices to pay
The championships were originally set for 2020, alternating with the European Indoor Championships as customary. But due to the Coronavirus pandemic, multiple postponements meant that the event will take place this year – an oddity in itself. This late scheduling places it just two weeks after the Europeans in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, where Mihambo secured a bronze and Ogunleye settled for silver.
Health, Tokyo or simply indifference?
Omitting several competitions, hurdler Gesa Krause now focuses on road running. German 100m record holder Owen Ansah has wrapped up his indoor season before the Apeldoorn event. Their goal is not Nanjing but Tokyo later in the year, where the long athletics season will find its conclusion with the World Championships as the grand finale. Athletes aim to peak in Tokyo, as success there is paramount.
"Outdoor is more important" confides Mihambo, who is currently training in the mountains, honing her endurance through cross-country skiing. Mediocre performances at Nanjing won't cut it, Tokyo is the only stage that matters.
A shrinking delegation and a chance at glory
Max Heß, triple jumper, is among the select few from the DLV team venturing to Nanjing. A 2016 European champ, Heß hopes to claim victory and shatter a long-standing German record. With the second-best jump of the year, Heß is optimistic about his chances in Nanjing. Despite a few areas needing refinement, he is determined to up his game and potentially break the 17.66m record set by Ralf Jaros in 1991.
While some athletes miss the event due to health concerns or personal issues, Tokyo seems to be the overarching goal for many athletes. The pressure to perform well and secure a spot in the top ranks in Tokyo has led some athletes to skip the World Indoor Championships. With Burnout or lack of readiness being a concern for some, and diplomatic or political factors impacting other events, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact reason behind every withdrawal. Nonetheless, for those embarking on the journey to Nanjing, the opportunity to compete and potentially set records is indeed enticing.
Source: ntv.de, Christian Johner, Robert Semmler and Christian Kunz, dpa
Insights From Enrichment Data
- Health and Illness: Some athletes such as George Mills and Innes FitzGerald from the GB & NI team have withdrawn due to illness, highlighting health concerns as a significant factor.
- Performance and Personal Reasons: Kishane Thompson, a Jamaican athlete, has faced criticism for repeated withdrawals. Speculation points to potential burnout or lack of readiness as factors.
- Travel and Logistics: Travel restrictions and logistical challenges can deter athletes. This has also been seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Competition Pressure: The high level of competition at major championships can also influence athletes' decisions. Pressure to perform and risk of injury might lead some athletes to opt out if they feel unprepared.
- Diplomatic or Political Factors: While not directly mentioned for the World Athletics Indoor Championships, diplomatic boycotts or political tensions can affect participation in international sports events. However, there is no indication that such factors are currently impacting the Nanjing championships.
Sports stars from around the world are shying away from the Olympic-like atmosphere of the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships, an unthinkable sight especially as the globe's top athletes usually relish competing in such tournaments. This trend is not confined to certain countries; even international stars like Noah Lyles from the USA and Femke Bol from the Netherlands are absent. However, some athletes, like German triple jumper Max Heß and Swedish pole vault world record holder Armand Duplantis, have decided to give it a go, with Heß eyeing a victory and the potential to break a long-standing German record. Despite the various reasons for athletes skipping the event, such as health concerns, performance pressure, or political factors, those who attend in Nanjing have the opportunity to make history and set new records.
