The Track Lab Fribourg, held on September 1 in Switzerland, showcased a series of innovative competition formats in athletics, presented as part of the World Athletics Continental Tour. This experimental event introduced entirely new disciplines, such as the mile steeplechase, and made adjustments to others, such as sprints, where the allowed reaction time was reduced to 0.000 instead of 0.10. Field events also saw significant changes, focusing on enhancing the excitement and enjoyment of the sport.
Among the most notable adjustments, the pole vault was conducted as a mixed competition, evaluating the absolute effective height over the bar, while the long jump introduced a 40-centimeter take-off zone for more precise measurement of each jump. In the javelin throw, only throws that surpassed the athlete’s previous best were recorded, adding a strategic element to the competition. These changes are currently in the testing phase, and their implementation will depend on future consultations with stakeholders.
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In addition to innovations in the disciplines, Track Lab Fribourg also incorporated a team competition component and explored new live streaming techniques, using drones to provide unprecedented filming angles. This modernized approach aimed not only to enhance the experience for athletes but also to offer a more dynamic and exciting coverage for viewers at home.
In terms of results, European pole vault champion Angelica Moser was a local standout with a height of 4.47 meters, achieving second place overall and being the best among women. In the mile steeplechase, Ethiopian Abrham Sime excelled with a time of 4:14.36, comfortably surpassing Frenchman Nicolas-Marie Daru. Romania’s Alina Rotaru-Kottmann led the long jump with a leap of 6.64 meters, while Grenadian Anderson Peters prevailed in the javelin throw with a top mark of 81.18 meters.
The event concluded with ‘Team Black’ winning the team competition, led by figures such as Nadine Visser, who won the women’s 100 meters hurdles, and Anderson Peters in the javelin. Track Lab Fribourg not only provided intense competition but also paved the way for future innovations in the world of athletics, aiming to make the sport more appealing to both participants and spectators.
