The core sport on the brink

Once again, the United States of America is the center of the sports world. The World Games take place in Birmingham. And Germany is currently leading the medal rankings with 24 gold plaques so far, mainly thanks to an outstanding haul from the lifeguarding department (nine gold medals). Tasks must be completed that simulate an emergency. For example, a standardized doll has to be pulled through the swimming pool as quickly as possible.

Racquetball, a mixture of tennis and squash, is also on the program, as is tug-of-war, which used to be an Olympic discipline. Sumo wrestlers try to push their opponents off the mat. If you prefer something more leisurely, take part in the boules competition. Also known as Boccia. A popular beach game and very popular especially in the south of France and Spain. Breakdancing is also represented, as it will be in Paris at the next Olympic Games in two years. Many of these unusual sports hope for the blessing of the Lord of the Rings, Thomas Bach, who, by the way, was visiting Alabama. Climbing and karate, for example, have already made this leap from the World Games to the Olympics. Tug of war for the Olympics Personally, I would love a renaissance of tug-of-war. Maybe in 2028, when the Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles. Incidentally, Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is said to have been very impressed by the activities in Birmingham, in which 3600 athletes from 100 countries are taking part. I strongly suspect that after the flying visit to Alabama he won't fly straight home, but will also stop by in Eugene (Oregon).

The best track and field athletes in the world are currently meeting there for their big championships. The first titles have already been awarded and there are signs of a celebration for the hosts. Men's and women's shot put, women's hammer throw and pole vault, the prestigious men's sprint: Gold already in series for the USA at the first World Cup to be held in the United States.

<a data-caption="Gastgeber USA heimst fleißig Medaillen ein, wie hier bei den Sprintern (von links): Marvin Bracs, Fred Kerley und Trayvon Bromell. © ANSA / John G. Mabanglo" data-fancybox="inline-120167" target="_image" href="https://s3-images.sportnews.bz/_images/scale/1280x1280/img/2022/07/gastgeber-usa-heimst-fleissig-medaillen-ein-wie-hier-bei-den-sprintern-von-links-marvin-bracs-fred-kerley-und-trayvon-bromell.jpg"> Host USA is busy collecting medals, like here with the sprinters (from left): Marvin Bracs, Fred Kerley and Trayvon Bromell. © ANSA / John G. Mabanglo

The former president of the track and field athletes, Liam Diack from Senegal, is responsible for this, because Eugene was not chosen from several candidates, but was simply chosen by Diack in a swipe, although it should be noted that the university town in Oregon is the headquarters of the sporting goods manufacturer “Nike”. is. A company that clearly has a powerful influence on sport.

As in 1989, when the Olympic city was chosen for 1996 (always seven years before the event), a sponsor exerted a significant influence on the World Cup in Eugene. By the way, at that time everyone thought that there could be no other choice than Athens. Exactly 100 years after the first modern Olympic Games in Greece in 1896. It seemed logical and inevitable. But despicable money triumphed over history. Atlanta (USA), home of one of the main sponsors of the IOC, was preferred at the time. Athens only came into play eight years later. Media presence was lost The president of “World Athletics”, the international association, Lord Sebastian Coe from England, has taken a very clear position regarding the event in Eugene. He could no longer prevent it because it had been determined before he took office, but he made it clear that he would prefer large cities. Although he of course puts a good face on the bad game and probably has to, he probably also realized that athletics does not have the same presence in this small stadium at the University of Eugene (capacity for the World Cup 30.000 spectators) and far away from the metropolises is how he would like it to be.

In plain language: Due to the time difference (many finals take place in the middle of the night), interest in Europe, the core market for his sport, is negligible. And in the USA itself, interest in a baseball game for any university team is greater than for any track and field athlete.

The attraction of all the Olympic Games, the sport that generates the most interest every four years, is on the way to becoming a fringe sport because there is hardly any media presence even during the year. The “Diamond League”, a competition series organized worldwide, takes place almost behind closed doors. Only real fans of athletics are still looking for results and best performances. And there is no longer a train number like Usain Bolt used to have. The Jamaican sprint star once mobilized the masses. There is no successor in sight. Athletics still draws on its great history. But the loan is almost used up.

About the person: Sigi Heinrich The renowned sports journalist, author and award-winning Eurosport commentator (including winner of the German Television Prize and the Bavarian Sports Prize) not only dedicates his column “Sigi's Spitze” to the entire diversity of sport. He also deals with topics outside of his usual profession. Sometimes very seriously, often with a mischievous wink and sometimes deliberately provocative. There should be something for everyone.

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The core sport on the brink

The “World Games” in Birmingham (Alabama) are becoming competition for track and field athletes. Our columnist Sigi Heinrich, who was at the microphone for Eurosport at 14 World Athletics Championships, is concerned about the development of the core Olympic sport.

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