Roger Alton Roger Alton

For the sake of athletics, the Olympics must not be delayed again

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issue 29 May 2021

Whatever became of athletics? It’s fallen nearly as far as show jumping and that is a long way. But the world needs athletics: it is the purest sport. Lots of countries can’t row or sail or do equestrianism, tennis or golf. Anyone, anywhere can run, jump and throw.

But where is athletics now? Can you name the fastest man in the world this year over 100m?* Who are the best middle-distance runners?

The sport has fallen nearly as far as show jumping and that is a long way

In the 1970s and 1980s everyone knew the names of countless athletes, domestic...

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