In a stunning revelation that could reshape the future of global sporting events, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has declared the traditional Olympic bidding process "broken" and is spearheading a revolutionary approach that may see major championships awarded to permanent homes.
The End of Traditional Bidding Wars?
Lord Coe, the double Olympic gold medallist turned sports administrator, delivered his blunt assessment during an exclusive interview, stating that the current model for selecting host cities has become unsustainable. "If we continue with the present system, we will probably have 10 cities, maximum, who can actually afford to do it," Coe warned, highlighting the growing financial burden on potential hosts.
The athletics chief revealed that World Athletics is actively exploring alternatives that could include establishing permanent or semi-permanent homes for its flagship World Championships. This radical departure from tradition comes as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) attempts its own reforms under President Thomas Bach's leadership.
New York's Shock Withdrawal Sparks Rethink
The urgency for change was highlighted by recent developments in the United States, where New York state abruptly withdrew its support for hosting the 2026 World Athletics Championships. This eleventh-hour pullout has left the global athletics community scrambling and reinforced Coe's argument that the current model needs fundamental restructuring.
"We have to be more imaginative," Coe emphasised, suggesting that the organisation might need to "take a step back and look at whether we actually need to go through that whole, full, what is sometimes a quite debilitating, process."
Salt Lake City Emerges as Unexpected Contender
In a surprising twist, Salt Lake City has expressed interest in stepping in to host the 2026 or 2030 championships, despite originally preparing a bid focused on the 2034 Winter Olympics. This development underscores the fluid nature of modern event hosting and the need for more flexible approaches.
Coe's comments represent the most significant challenge yet to the IOC's reformed bidding process, which has attempted to make hosting more affordable and sustainable. The World Athletics president made it clear that while he supports the IOC's efforts, his organisation must pursue its own path that serves the specific needs of athletics.
A New Era for Global Sports Events
The potential shift towards permanent hosts could dramatically reduce costs and environmental impact while ensuring consistent, world-class facilities. This approach has already shown success in other sports, and Coe's endorsement signals that athletics may be ready to embrace this model.
As the sporting world digests these revelations, one thing is clear: the landscape of major event hosting is on the brink of transformation, with Sebastian Coe positioned at the forefront of this revolutionary change.
