The World Athletics Players Association (WAPA) has unveiled a bold proposal to overhaul how athletes qualify for the Olympic Games and World Championships.
The current system, which often hinges on performance at a single high-pressure national trial event, has long been criticized for causing extreme psychological stress and sometimes omitting top performers who have a bad day.
The new model would institute a transparent, season-long 'Qualification Points' system across designated events.
An athlete's best three results in the qualification period would count, rewarding consistency and potentially reducing the need for peak performance at a specific trial.
The proposal includes protected quotas for athletes who suffer verified injuries or illness during the cycle.
Initial reaction from governing bodies is mixed; some federations welcome the modernizing approach, while others are concerned about the complexity and potential loss of the dramatic, viewer-friendly trial event.
WAPA argues that the change is essential for athlete welfare and the long-term health of the sport.
The International Olympic Committee is expected to study the proposal, with any changes unlikely to take effect before the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
