Last week we reported on a story that was broken by Australian website The Age who claimed that the IOC was considering the removal of five events from the Olympic athletics programme.
Speaking to The Age Brain Roe, a senior international technical official at major international championships, said that he was present at “a gathering over dinner in Europe recently of senior athletics people who are very significant in influencing policy matters.”
Roe went on to say that “the IOC clearly has a view to reduce the number of those competing in athletics events and options were raised for how to do that.”
“There was a strong view that the 10,000, 200, one race walk and shot put were the most at risk. The triple jump was the least of those five.”
Yesterday the IAAF revealed the Rio 2016 Olympic timetable and at the same time released a statement to respond to the rumours regarding the proposed changes.
“No credence whatsoever should be given to recent unfounded speculation regarding possible changes to athletics’ programme within the Olympic Games. While the Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations were passed at last week’s session, no details or specific proposals have yet been made by the IOC as to how they will be implemented.”
