Double Donegal Olympian Brendan Boyce says he will be forced to retire from sport if proposals to axe his event – the 50k race walk – are passed by the IAAF.
The International Olympic Council is said to be behind proposals to drop the 50k walk from the Olympic and World Championships.
Milford man Boyce is one of 60 athletes who have signed a petition opposing the plans.
“If there is no 50k in Toyko then I will be forced to retire from sport and my love of athletics will be retired as well,” said Boyce, who competed at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
“My life’s work could be ended with a vote and a rubber stamp.
“To protect integrity and fairness in athletics I think it vital that all of athletics stands behind this petition.
“Otherwise why would any kids want to get involved in an event that could be taken away from them at any time.”
The letter has been signed first by Australian Jared Tallent and Slovakia’s Matej Tóth, who won the 50k events at the last two Olympics.
Boyce is one of a host of other top-level athletes who have voiced their displeasure on the matter.
It has been claimed that the IOC are behind the proposals, believing them to aid in a drive to improve gender equality. At the moment, women do not compete over 50k.
The IAAF Council is expected to discuss proposals at a meeting in London next week.
The petition reads:
Tags:“It has recently come to light that the IOC has proposed changes to the international schedule of events to the walks as of 2018.
“The abolishment of the men’s 50km Walk at Olympic Games and IAAF World Championships and the men’s and women’s 20km walk moving to a half-marathon distance (21.1km).
“It is our understanding that the IAAF Council are to vote on these changes at the upcoming Council Meeting in London.
“Olympians, athletes and supporters of the Games firmly believe that the IOC should embrace rather than exclude events such as the 50km walk…
“…To further develop gender equality and create a fair and ethical sports field, we propose that the current schedule of three events, men’s 50km walk, men’s 20km walk and women’s 20km walk, is maintained until the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020.
“With athlete representation, it is our desire to create a working group to assess the future of the event beyond 2020.
“These measures ensure sufficient athlete consultation, maintenance of athlete’s livelihoods and rewards the investment of National Federations in support of their athletes to 2020.
“This proposal provides the IAAF opportunity to commit to transparency in decision making and listen to the athletes they represent.
“We call on Thomas Bach and the IOC Executive [Board], Sebastian Coe and the IAAF Council, to be transparent in this decision making process and include the athletes in any further discussions in regards to walking at the Olympics Games and IAAF World Championships.”
