In an intruiging interview, done on video, at Isportconnect.com, Ed Warner, the former chair of UK Athletics challenged IAAF president Seb Coe to now focus his energy on changing the format of the sport, as well as finding a few sponsors.
Ed Warner, photo courtesy of British Athletics
While Mr. Warner says little that is new, his positioning of Seb Coe’s success in governance and the challenge for Mr. Coe in the future is to reformat the sport as well as searching for some global sponsors. Coe has been traveling around the world, going to nearly every major event to showcase the vitality of the sport and his leadership of the IAAF.
Warner, while head of UK Athletics, did Seb Coe few favors, and the British media suggested that Mr. Warner and Mr. Coe were not best of friends, but this video interview seems quite sincere and focused. Athletics does need changes, and the truth is, as Ed Warner points out, Seb Coe will more than likely see few challengers as Mr. Coe comes up for reelection. Ed Warner suggests that, with no challengers, perhaps Mr. Coe can now focus on rebuilding the sport, its format, which would make it more interesting to global sponsors.
Ed Warners’ comments do warrent some consideration. Some believe that the legacy of Seb Coe will be determined on how he convinces the sport that change is necessary to not only grow, but to survive. In its current condition, the sport will become redundant in the modern world of sports entertainment.
To read the entire piece and view the interview, please go to http://www.isportconnect.com/reformat-athletics-modern-audience-former-chair-uk-athletics-ed-warner/. You will have to sign up, but the process is fast and the content is excellent.
