by Stuart Weir
In front of Central Train Station, Oslo, Norway, photo by Stuart Weir
A track & field meet resembles, some think, a three ring circus. There is something always going on, and whether you like sprints, jump, throws, or distance races, you will find something that you like.
Oslo Opera House, photo by Stuart Weir
The Diamond League meetings are a way to focus that excitement and enthusiasm. In 2018, meets such as Oslo and Stockholm have focused on the stories that are most popular in the local markets and events such as Doha, Shanghai and Prefontaine did the same. Each meet so far, in 2018, has had a great story or two to support local media and local athletic fans.
Ferry to Denmark, photo by Stuart Weir
Track & Field is at the crossroads. With so many sports trying to get time from fans, how does track & field stand out? We have to tell better stories, and draw our fans in.
Oslo Tram, photo by Stuart Weir
Here is the first piece from Stuart Weir on the 2018 Oslo Bislett Games.
The Diamond League circus has moved on to Oslo, capital of Norway. Founded in 1040 the Municipality of Oslo has a population of 450,000 or 1.5 million if the entire metropolitan area is included. The population of the country is only 5.2 Million.
A view of the harbor, Oslo, Norway, photo by Stuart Weir
Since 2010, Norway has been classified as the world’s most democratic country, by the Democratic Index, an analysis based on 60 questions in five categories: electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, functioning of government, political participation, and political culture. The country is also a monarchy with King Harald reigning since 1991.
Karston Warholm poster, Oslo, Norway, photo by Stuart Weir
The event is called the Bislett Games and is held in the Bislett stadium, which has hosted international athletics meetings since 1924. The Bislett Games have been held since 1965.
Karoline Grovdal poster, Oslo, Norway, photo by Stuart Weir
Oslo has the look of a modern prosperous city with, like most European cities, a good public transport network of Metro, buses, trams and trains. If you want to go further afield there are boat trips to the fjords or even to Denmark.
Trams in downtown Oslo, Norway, photo by Stuart Weir
