Beatrice Chepkoech, photo by Photorun.net
The need to survive and thrive in the world of athletics media has put the Diamond League on the precipice. IMG, the group that sells terrestrial TV rights on the DL needs 90 minute shows to sell to big brands. In order to placate them, the DL will cut out 8 events and keep the official DL show at 90 minutes. Among the events to be pushed out is the steeplechase.
Alfons Juck of EME News found the following note from Beatrice Chepkoech.
NAIROBI (KEN): Women’s steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech said she was stunned by the latest development, arguing that the move would “kill careers.” “This is killing careers for athletes who had specialised in the event,” the freshly-minted world champion from last month’s IAAF World Championships in Doha told Nation Sport. “But for me, I can still switch to 1,500m and 3,000m flat and I can still do well. I can also run in the 10-kilometre road race,” added Chepkoech.
Beatrice Chepkoech, photo by Photorun.net
