AT THEIR recent council meeting in Monaco, World Athletics’ governing body announced several rule changes that will impact future competitions.
One of those changes comes in finals of the 400 metres at indoor championships, while another has to do with the number of substitutions allowed in 4x100m and 4x400m relays.
For the indoor 400 metres, effective at next year’s World Indoor Championships in Poland, there will now be two finals.
Instead of six athletes competing in a single standard final, there will be four athletes in each final, with lanes one and two left empty.
At the conclusion, the three fastest times from the two races will determine the medallists. The change has been made because World Athletics believes athletes in lanes one and two face a significant disadvantage.
Additionally, relay substitutions will be limited to a maximum of two athletes between rounds and finals, down from the previous allowance of four.
The changes have sparked mixed reactions across the athletics community. Coach Maurice Wilson, technical leader of the country’s senior track and field team, is concerned that the new indoor 400m format could disrupt the natural rhythm and traditional competitive structure of an event already known for its tactical challenges and lane restrictions.
“I understand the organisers’ concerns because of the sharp curve in the inside lanes, but I think the best-of-the-best should compete in one final. This change will take away the excitement of seeing the top athletes race together, and spectators want to see the best competing head-to-head,” Wilson said, adding that he hopes the revision will not disadvantage athletes who have spent years adapting to the longstanding system.
On the relay rule change, Wilson was supportive.
“Congratulations to World Athletics. I think this is much fairer than the previous system, where four fresh athletes could be swapped in for the finals. That rule favoured countries with larger squads and put smaller nations at a disadvantage,” he said.
“I think it’s only fair for the athletes who work hard to make their teams and reach the finals to feel more rewarded. This levels the playing field and gives smaller countries, with limited athletes, a fairer chance against nations with deeper squads,” Wilson added.
World Athletics stated that the new rules were approved after extensive review and consultation and are aimed at enhancing athlete experience and overall event quality.
