Revamping the Long Jump: World Athletics Trials Groundbreaking Format Shift
Published: January 15, 2024 | Athletics Illustrated
In a move to modernize and enhance the appeal of field events, World Athletics is set to trial a groundbreaking new format for the long jump. The proposed changes aim to address longstanding issues that have plagued the competition, ultimately striving to bring more drama and excitement to this niche athletic discipline.
Historically, the long jump has often been marred by frustrating “no-jump” situations, where athletes exceed the take-off board by mere millimeters, rendering their otherwise impressive leaps invalid. This, according to World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon, has become a recurring problem, with data from the 2023 Budapest World Championships indicating that one-third of all long jump attempts were invalidated due to board overstepping.
To remedy this, the new trial format will replace the traditional take-off board with a designated take-off zone. This will allow athletes to jump from anywhere within the zone, with the distance measured from the take-off point to the landing in the sand. Ridgeon believes this modification will not only eliminate the board-related issues but also empower athletes to attack each jump with greater freedom and creativity.
“We’re also going to spend this year testing it in real-life circumstances with very good athletes, and if it doesn’t pass testing we’ll never introduce it,” Ridgeon explained. “If you’ve dedicated your life to hitting that take-off board perfectly, then suddenly we replace it with a take-off zone, I totally get that there might be initial resistance. But as long as it’s based on good testing and good data, I think eventually it’ll work through.”
The long jump, a discipline with origins dating back to the ancient Greek Olympics, has long been a staple of track and field competitions. The proposed changes aim to modernize the event, bringing it in line with the ongoing advancements seen in other sports. From the introduction of “super shoes” in middle and long-distance running to the wider runways in javelin throwing, the world of athletics is continuously evolving to enhance the spectator experience and drive progress.
While purists may initially resist the shift, Ridgeon acknowledges that any significant change to a sport “invented 150 years ago” is bound to face some controversy. However, he remains confident that the new long jump format, if proven effective through rigorous testing, will ultimately capture the imagination of both athletes and fans alike, ushering in a new era of excitement and drama in this storied field event.
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