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 and foreign. Sebastian Coe, Steve Ovett, Daley Thompson, Tessa Sanderson, Fatima Whitbread, Steve Cram, Allan Wells and Zola Budd would take on the likes of Carl Lewis, Merlene Ottey, Ed Moses, Marita Koch, FloJo and Yifter the Shifter.
Sometimes the fascination was wondering whether performances were strictly legal, or if the girl lining up in lane five had had a shave that morning.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in