World Athletics’ decision to split the 400m indoor world finals into two separate legs has sparked controversy with Femke Bol complaining about the decision.
Does World Athletics’ decision to close the World Championships 400m final to two races signal the beginning of the end of the event? Or is it a clever ploy to save the event from extinction?
Previously, the final would see six athletes compete for medals, but the new rules, planned for the 2026 World Indoor Championships in Torun, will see two races of four athletes each, with the gold medal going to the athlete with the fastest time.
More than 20 years ago, the 200m was removed from the World Indoor Championships because the athletes drawn in the indoor zones hardly stood a chance due to the tight twists and centrifugal force.
Along those lines, more and more athletes simply chose not to participate. So are we now seeing a similar situation in the 400m where being drawn on the inside lane has similar disadvantages?
I always feel it’s a shame that the 200m has been scrapped from the major indoor championships. Linford Christie’s first major international title in British sprinting came at the 1985 European Championships over 200 meters in Madrid. Later, Marlon Devonish won the 200m at the 2003 World Indoor Championships in Birmingham. The event is still held at the national championships too, where there is often drama as sprinters slingshot off the final bend and give it their all on the short course.
Part of the trick to doing well in the 200m championships was that you run well enough in the rounds to get a good line in the final. Of course, the same goes for the 400m as well.
One athlete we are unlikely to see in the future in the indoor 400m is Femke Bol. The Dutch athlete holds the world record of 49.17 but makes the much-anticipated move to the 800m in 2026. What’s more, he responded to AW’s Instagram post about World Athletics’ decision to run two races with a few “raised eyebrows” emojis.
How will he fare at his new distance? Everyone seems to have a strong opinion, but I asked someone better than most to weigh in. Harald Schmid, the iconic athlete of the 1970s and 1980s.
The German won three European 400m hurdles titles between 1978 and 1986, minor medals at the World Championships in 1983 and 1987, and a best of 47.48. In addition, he was Ed Moses’ closest rival for many years.
Notably, however, he stepped up short to 800m and clocked an impressive 1:44.83 in Koblenz towards the end of his career.
The 68-year-old specialist said during the 400m to 800m hurdle race. AW:“That’s a great idea. I like the sprinter going over the 800m. Modern 800m races are closer and closer to sprints. So good luck on this adventure.”
