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The decision by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to cut the 5 000m and 10 000m events from the future Diamond League circuit has sent African athletes into a panic.
The world athletics governing body announced this week that, starting from next year, the Diamond programme would be shortened.
The one-day competitions would be reduced from 14 to 12 competitions, and the number of disciplines would be cut from 32 to 24, with the longest distance being the 3 000m race.
This has irked long-distance power-houses Ethiopia and Kenya, however, the resolution would also affect South Africa.
The Ethiopian and Kenyan athletics federations were leading the calls for the IAAF to rethink. They wrote to IAAF president Sebastian Coe asking for the organisation to reconsider.
Local star Stephen Mokoka (34) was also worried – the changes would mean the end of the road for him in future Diamond League meetings. He had consistently been invited to compete in the 5 000m event.
“The IAAF must reconsider its decision because it affects all of us. We need the exposure and opportunities of the Diamond League to attract sponsors. Also, there are not many 5 000m and 10 000m competitions outside the Diamond League,” he said.
Rising star Thabang Mosiako (24) also felt his future on the track was under threat. He had harboured dreams of following in the footsteps of Mokoka and Elroy Gelant by also making it on the Diamond circuit one day.
“I hoped to get a chance to run the 5 000m race in the Diamond League next year to try to qualify for the Olympics [in Tokyo next year],” Mosiako said.
“The IAAF must review its decision. The 5 000m was my hope on the track programme,” said the runner, who will represent South Africa at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Denmark on March 30.
Meanwhile, Athletics Kenya regional chairperson Barnabas Korir was quoted by Reuters as saying: “Historically, the longer distances were the pillars of track and field. The marathon was the pride of the Olympics, and the 5 000m and 10 000m races were what made track and field interesting.”
Champions at each qualifying meeting get a $10 000 (R145 000) first prize purse in each event and there is a chance to contest for the $50 000 purse in the grand final.
