World Athletics Responds to Athlete Concerns Over Tokyoโ Championship Warm-Up Logistics
Following โcriticism from โathletes regarding the warm-up arrangements โat the World Athleticsโค Championships in Tokyo, the institution has defended its logistical planning. Concerns center around the distance between the Yoyogi Park warm-up โfacility and the Japan National stadium, a journey averagingโฃ 15 minutes โฃby bus.
several โathletes have voiced their โขconcerns. Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson noted the lengthy warm-up process was “quite draining” after qualifying for the 800m final, suggesting adjustments might be neededโฃ for Sunday’s race. American runner Nikki Hiltz described the 10-minuteโข busโ ride as “weird” and unusual, while Irish athleteโข Sophie O’Sullivan โjoked โคabout documentingโ theโ experience on TikTok.
jamaican coachโข Stephen Francis was more direct,stating inโ an interview with TVJ news that theโ logistical issues,including theโ distance to the warm-up track,were “not befitting the topโฃ meet of the year โคfor World Athletics.”
In a statement, โฃWorld Athletics acknowledged the athlete experience isโค a “utmost importance”โ and โขthat notable consideration โขwas given to preparations within the constraints of the venues.The organization pointed out that similar logistical configurations haveโค been used โขin previous Olympic Games and major โฃchampionships.
World Athletics also emphasized that teamโฃ leaders were fully briefedโค during a site visit in March, allowing ample preparationโ time.โ The โrules regarding warm-up, โcall room procedures, and transport apply equally to all teams and athletes.
Athletes are transported to the stadium โฃvia a dedicated bus, which functions โคas a mobile call room. An indoor straight is also available for warm-up at the stadium, particularly useful โfor athletes competing in multiple rounds within the same session.
