World Athletics Highlights Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence

Rebecca Cheptegei finished 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics. World Athletics has stated its identification of campaigning against gender-based violence as a priority. In September, Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei tragically became the third athlete in Kenya to be killed within the last three years, after a former boyfriend doused her in petrol and set her on fire. The World Athletics Athletes’ Commission urged World Athletics to assume a leadership position and investigate collaborations with pertinent organizations to advocate for change. Valerie Adams, who chairs the Athletes’ Commission, stated: “In a sport as diverse and universal as athletics, it is rare to see athletes from different countries, disciplines and socio-economic backgrounds agree on something as unanimously as the topic of gender-based violence.” Adams, a retired two-time Olympic shot put champion from New Zealand, further remarked: “We as athletes are in a unique position to leverage our profiles and social influence in our communities to lobby for change. It will take a concerted effort from all of us to be leaders in the space to influence and drive the change we need.” Cheptegei’s demise followed the 2021 stabbing death of 10km world-record holder Agnes Tirop, and the strangulation of long-distance runner Damaris Mutua six months subsequent to that. Following its 236th World Athletics Council Meeting in Monaco, World Athletics issued a statement indicating that “recent high-profile cases in Africa [have sent] shockwaves through the sport”. The organization further noted: “Gender-based violence is a global issue, with all 18 members of the Athletes’ Commission – from 18 different countries across all six areas – highlighting the impact and extent of gender-based violence in their regions.” Although acknowledging World Athletics’ restricted authority beyond the realm of the sport, the Athletes’ Commission expressed its hope that World Athletics could instigate change by fostering awareness, providing education, and advocating for reform. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe stated that the organization “welcomes” the advent of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track, which is scheduled to commence its inaugural season in 2025. Johnson, an American four-time Olympic champion, introduced Grand Slam Track in June. Its initial season will feature four Slams held in Kingston, Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, offering a total prize fund of 12.6 million dollars (£10m). Johnson informed BBC Sport that he had engaged in multiple discussions with World Athletics and had aligned Grand Slam Track with the objectives of the sport’s governing body. “We should be comforted that we have created a landscape where people think it’s worth investing in our sport,” Coe conveyed to reporters after Wednesday’s meeting. He continued: “It’s important that we work as collaborators and not competitors. I want them to be successful and add lustre to our sport. I think there is space for everybody as there is communication and calendar co-ordination.” Coe concluded: “I don’t see it as a threat. You either work with competition or you don’t. Frankly this is an organisation that welcomes all sorts of innovation. We’ve shown we’re not afraid of that, and I wish Michael success.”