The Track Minute Daily Report is available Monday through Friday with the top news and stories from the world of track and field. Listen to the Track Minute Daily Report on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and subscribe to the newsletter at https://trackminute.beehiiv.com/
Big changes possibly in store for the long jump
World Athletics has proposed modifying the long jump event by replacing the traditional take-off board with a 40 centimeter “take-off zone,” aiming to reduce the number of fouls and make the sport more viewer-friendly. This change would allow athletes to jump from anywhere within a designated area, with measurements taken from the exact point of take-off. Critics argue that this adjustment could diminish the technical precision required in the sport and potentially lead to incomparable records between eras. A trial of the new long jump “take-off zone” will start at the ISTAF Indoor meeting in Düsseldorf on February 9 and is expected to continue throughout the 2025 season, with evaluations based on athlete feedback and performance data. If successful, the new format could be implemented in elite competitions as early as 2026.
Tori Franklin announces her retirement
Two-time Olympian Tori Franklin has announced her retirement from track and field. Across her triple jump career, Franklin tallied twelve USA Championships medals, four gold and eight silver, and in 2018 set a then record of 14.84 meters for the event. She made history at the 2022 World Championship as she was the first American woman to ever medal in the triple jump at the global meet; she took home the bronze.
Nia Akins signs with HOKA; new NIL deal for Ethan Strand
Nia Akins announced on Instagram that she has signed with HOKA. The three-time US 800m champion and 2024 Olympian was formerly with the Seattle-based Brooks Beasts, and has now relocated to Philadelphia to be coached by Derek Thompson. She will suit up in a HOKA kit for the upcoming Millrose Games on Saturday. Also in signing news, newly minted NCAA indoor mile record holder Ethan Strand has signed an NIL deal with sports nutrition company Maurten. He also has an existing deal with Nike.
Justin Gatlin: “Let them walk their own path”
Justin Gatlin, in the latest episode of the Ready Set Go podcast, cautions against prematurely labeling young athletes as the next Usain Bolt, emphasizing that such comparisons can hinder their development. He believes that these labels may lead to complacency, causing young talents to feel they’ve already achieved greatness. Gatlin advocates for allowing these athletes to progress naturally and establish their own identities in the sport.
Athletics Kenya reveals investigation for age cheating
Athletics Kenya (AK) has announced that several Olympians and junior athletes are under investigation for alleged age cheating. The organization is scrutinizing discrepancies in the reported ages of these athletes, which could have significant implications for their eligibility and past performances. AK’s Director of Youth and Development, Barnaba Korir, said they have found about 30 possible cases, including four who were removed from Team Kenya for the World U20 Championships last year.
Weekend Viewing
Friday:
- Camel City Invitational: 1pm ET on RunnerSpace
- Karlsruhe Meeting: 2pm ET on Flotrack
Saturday:
- Camel City Invitational: 10am ET on RunnerSpace
- Penn Classic: 11:30am ET on ESPN+
- Millrose Games: 4pm ET on NBC and Peacock
Sunday:
- Meeting Dusseldorf: 5:20am ET on Flotrack
A full listing of the weekend’s broadcasts and streams is available via the USTFCCCA
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