Golden League Events Selected

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.iaaf.org/news/Kind=512/newsId=23419.html

2004 IAAF Golden League Events Approved in Paris
Wednesday 22 October 2003

Monte Carlo - The IAAF Golden League Working Group met yesterday in Paris to discuss the outcome of the 2003 edition of the Golden League, during which Mozambique’s Maria Mutola became the first athlete ever to win the $1 million outright, and most importantly to decide on next year’s basic fundamentals.


Following a careful examination of the athletics disciplines and in an attempt to select the most exciting and most interesting events, the IAAF Golden League Working Group decided that the 2004 Golden League events would be:
 
Men
200m
800m
1500m
400m Hurdles
Triple Jump
Discus Throw



Women
100m
400m
1500m
3000m/5000m
100m Hurdles
High Jump

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Apparently the women's 5k is more exciting and interesting than the pole vault!

If they're going to drop the pole vault, fine, whatever, but don't use the excuse of trying to pick the most exciting and interesting events! Ask any casual fan to pick the top 3 most exciting/interesting track and field events. I bet most would have pole vault on their list.

[Erica]

Obviously, the IAAF is targeting track events and not field events. Two field events for the men and only one for the women. You would think pole vault would be on the top of the list as far as 'exciting' events go, but I am sure they take into consideration the athletes that are competing in the events as well as the event itself. They want names that spectators know winning the events. Right now in the pole vault, both men's and women's, no one is truely dominating. Women, especially Isinbayeva, are vaulting very well, but it is very difficult to predict what will happen next year. When new competetors come into the picture, spectators don't really pay attention until they have made a name for themselves. I think the IAAF is just wanting to draw spectators to competetors in the events, not the events themselves.

[bjvando]

POLE VAULT = MOST EXCITING, although the 5000 is quite intense... ( sarcasm)

[Robert schmitt]

I'm always at the edge of my seat waiting for a 5000m runner to drop off the track and start puking!!

No offense to any distance runners intended.

[jmayesvaultmom]

I guess we all know when we can run to the store, RR, take a nap, etc., and miss all that advertising people pay big bucks for!