World Athletics Championships: Mayer slams 'disaster' in Doha

The heat has proven a factor during the World Athletics Championship and Kevin Mayer criticised the decision to host the event in Doha.

Published : Sep 29, 2019 00:26 IST

France's Kevin Mayer suggested it was only his "passion" for the sport that prevented him from boycotting the 2019 Athletics World Championships. 
France's Kevin Mayer suggested it was only his "passion" for the sport that prevented him from boycotting the 2019 Athletics World Championships. 
lightbox-info

France's Kevin Mayer suggested it was only his "passion" for the sport that prevented him from boycotting the 2019 Athletics World Championships. 

Kevin Mayer has branded the World Athletics Championships in Doha "a disaster", citing the heat and a lack of fans.

The world champion decathlete did not hold back as he criticised the decision to award the event to the Qatari capital. 

Frenchman Mayer suggested it was only his "passion" for competition that prevented him from boycotting. 

"We can all see it's a disaster, there is no-one in the stands, and the heat has not been adapted at all," he said.

READ | Indian mixed relay team books Olympics berth, reaches final

"There have already been nearly 30 withdrawals in the women's marathon. It's sad.

"We have to leave reason aside and more concentrate on the passion, because if not I would have boycotted these championships.

"We haven't really prioritised athletes when organising the championships here. It makes it difficult."

The IAAF released a statement on Saturday insisting the local organising committee had "done everything possible to minimise the heat-related risks".

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment