World Athletics’ new qualification system sidelines Namibian athletes

With less than two months before the 20th World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Namibia’s top sprinters face a sobering reality. They are unlikely to qualify for the sport’s biggest stage, following changes to World Athletics’ qualification system that have proven difficult for athletes from lower-resourced countries.Beatrice Masilingi, Christine Mboma, Elton Hoeseb and other hopefuls are among those affected. Despite their talent, they are unable to meet the new requirements that heavily favour athletes with greater access to international competition.The championships are set to take place from 13 to 21 September this year at the Japan National Stadium. More than 2 000 athletes from around 200 countries are expected to compete. However, Namibian participation appears increasingly out of reach.A system that widens the gapWorld Athletics recently adopted a hybrid qualification model. Half of the athletes in each event can qualify by meeting tough automatic entry standards, while the other half must qualify through world rankings.To earn a spot through rankings, athletes are required to compete in at least five recognised events between 1 August 2024 and 24 August 2025. Points are awarded based on their times, distances, or placements, as well as the status of the competition itself. These events are rated from category A to F, with higher-ranked meets awarding significantly more points.European events are usually in categories B or C, which provide better opportunities for athletes to accumulate ranking points. In Southern Africa, most events fall under category F, including those held in Namibia. Only the South African national championships and selected regional meets are rated higher.This means that even if a Namibian athlete performs just as well as someone competing in Europe, the one competing abroad will receive more points because of the event’s classification.Namibians left behindNamibian athletics coach Henk Botha, who trains Masilingi, Mboma and Hoeseb, said the shift has left Namibian athletes with limited options.“Our athletes can no longer qualify through the rankings unless they travel to compete abroad. They are required to meet the automatic time, distance or height standards, which are extremely high, so they are effectively excluded.”Botha explained that Namibia has only hosted two eligible competitions this year, one in Khomas and another in Swakopmund. Both were rated as category F, which offers the lowest possible points.“Even if an athlete runs the same time as someone in Europe, their effort counts for less. It is not about talent anymore. It is about where you compete,” he said.The cost of competingTravelling to Europe for C or B-level events is the only realistic way to improve ranking. But the financial cost makes that route inaccessible for most Namibian athletes.“It is very expensive. A decent pair of spikes alone costs N$5 000, never mind the travel and accommodation. Without sponsors, this is simply not an option,” Botha said.He also pointed out that athletes are not physically or mentally competition-fit when they do not compete regularly. “You cannot prepare for the World Championships with only two events in a season,” he added.A system that does not reward potentialBotha referenced South African javelin thrower Juané van Dyk, who won silver at the recent Olympic Games. She did not qualify by meeting the automatic standard, but through rankings. Her success, he said, proves that the ranking system can work, but only for athletes who have consistent access to quality meets.“There are athletes capable of achieving greatness, but they are locked out because they cannot get the exposure they need. And when they do well, everyone suddenly wants to be associated with them. Until then, they are overlooked,” he said.One last shotNamibian athletes will have one more opportunity to compete at a higher-rated event when they line up at the Confederation of African Athletics Southern Region Championships on 26 and 27 July in Harare, Zimbabwe. Masilingi, Mboma, Hoeseb and Ivan Danny Geldenhuys are expected to take part.While this may help improve their rankings slightly, it is unlikely to be enough to meet the five-competition minimum or the ranking threshold required for Tokyo.An uphill battle for equityWorld Athletics introduced this system to reward consistency and ensure that the best athletes reach the world stage. However, for athletes in countries without access to regular international competition, the system has created even more barriers.– tielman5.tvl@gmail.com

World Athletics’ new qualification system sidelines Namibian athletes

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World Athletics’ new qualification system sidelines Namibian athletes

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