SHINING A LIGHT ON TRACK AND FIELD.

Hey everyone! It's your Basit!

I’m back this week with a topic that’s been on my mind for a long time. Most of us have participated in inter-house sports games before; they were pretty fun, weren’t they?

If you didn’t participate, all good! I’m sure you did a lot of cheerleading.

Anyway, why am I bringing up this topic?

Let’s dissect it, shall we?

Track and field, a sport rooted in history and tradition, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. With a blend of raw athleticism, dramatic finishes, and captivating storylines, the sport has the potential to captivate a global audience.

However, to fully realize its potential, it must overcome challenges and expand its viewership beyond traditional strongholds.

A New Era of Athleticism.

The past few years have witnessed a surge in extraordinary performances and charismatic athletes. From the electrifying sprints of Usain Bolt to the remarkable feats of athletes like Sydney McLaughlin, Noah Lyles, Mondo Duplantis and Karsten Warholm, track and field has produced a new generation of stars who have captivated audiences worldwide.

The sport's appeal lies in its raw, unfiltered nature. Athletes push their bodies to the absolute limit, striving for perfection in every stride, every jump, and every throw.

The adrenaline-fueled moments, the dramatic finishes, and the emotional rollercoasters create a compelling spectacle that can be enjoyed by fans of all ages.

The Challenge of Global Reach.

Despite its inherent excitement, track and field faces challenges in expanding its global reach. While the sport is popular in countries like the United States, Jamaica, and Kenya, it struggles to attract significant viewership in other parts of the world.

Cultural differences, time zone disparities, and a lack of consistent exposure contribute to this disparity.

It had to get to the point where Netflix got involved to produce the “Sprint” series covering several athletes behind the scenes during their grind to achieve glory at global competitions.

How many of you readers know the name Julian Alfred, current fastest woman in the world after securing gold in the 100m at the recently concluded Olympics.

Elaine Thompson-Herah, another Caribbean sprinter who is absolutely sensational when she’s on form.

Can you identify these athletes as you’re reading right now, I’m sure several of you can’t (proceeds to check Google)🥴.

Why not have the track and field events broadcast on popular streaming services that already accommodate sports.

To be fair, only people who pay for the required SuperSport that get the proper viewing experience in Nigeria for example.

The sport has faced a decline in audience engagement since the retirement of legendary sprinter Usain Bolt. His charismatic personality and record-breaking performances drew millions of fans worldwide.

While there are still talented athletes captivating audiences, the sport needs to work harder to maintain momentum and attract new fans.

To ensure the continued growth and popularity of track and field, it is crucial to invest in marketing and promotion, highlight compelling storylines, and innovative event formats.

By embracing technology and engaging with fans through social media, the sport can reach a wider audience and inspire the next generation of athletes and fans.