Warrior Felix eyes golden track finale in PAGE 14

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019

Star US athletes say it’s ‘cool’ to be at Khalifa International Stadium TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA What a feeling!

AS they say, first impression is the last impression! For star US athletes, who have arrived here for the IAAF World Ath- letics Championships Doha 2019, the very feeling of being at the refurbished and state- of-the-art Khalifa Interna- tional Stadium has been cool. American athletes – star 400m hurdler Dalilah Mu- hammad, defending women’s 3,000 steeplechase champion , Rio Olympics gold medalist and 400m hurdles sensa- tion Rai Benjamin – all were delighted to experience the innovative cooling system in- stalled at the stadium. The US squad, which ar- rived in Qatar on Tuesday, US athletes Rio Olympics gold medalist in shot put Ryan Crouser. defending women 3,000 steeplechase was indeed impressed with A woman stands in front of air-conditioning vents blowing out cold air into the Khalifa International champion Emma Coburn, Sensational 400m hurdler Rai Benjamin, and 400m hurdles record-holder all facilities at the Khalifa In- Stadium ahead of the IAAF Championships Doha 2019 on Wednesday. (AFP) while speaking to the media at the Khalifa International Stadium on Wednesday. ternational Stadium and ex- pressed their feelings at the I am actually happy that my “We are looking forward over four decades. FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 media conference. parents will sit in the AC,” to more good experience in I loved the cooling system on my first visit. As a It famously staged the matches. Women’s 400m hurdles she said and smiled. the championships after that sprinter, the temperature doesn’t affect me much but I Amir Cup final in 2018 where The IAAF World Athlet- world record holder Dalilah US steeplechase star we will get the right idea,” the Emir HH Sheikh Tamim ics Championships Doha Muhammad said she had Emma Coburn said, “We she added. am actually happy that my parents will sit in the AC. bin Hamad al Thani was pre- 2019 will be the third major toured Doha earlier and was are very comfortable and I Rio gold medalist Ryan Women’s 400m hurdles world record holder Dalilah Muhammad sent along with FFA President athletics event at the Khalifa impressed with the innova- am very impressed. My first Crouser said he was happy Gianni Infantino. Stadium. tive technology at the sta- experience is that when we too. “The conditions are very It has also played host to It’s innovative cooling dium. “I loved the cooling walked at the stadium from good and we are happy.” done a very good job with the The Khalifa Interna- the 2006 Asian Games and system was also used during system on my first visit. As the car, we were super sweaty Star 400m hurdler Rai temperatures and it’s very tional Stadium – an out- has been completely redone the Asian Athletics Champi- a sprinter, the temperature but after reaching the venue Benjamin said it was great to comfortable to be competing. standing landmark of Qatar recently. It will also be one onships and Doha Diamond doesn’t affect me much but it felt very good. feel comfortable. “They have It’s impressive.” has been in existence for of the eight venues for the League, earlier this year. Dalilah Muhammad eyes record in World Championship tilt

AFP DOHA Relishing the pressure

DALILAH Muhammad says she is relishing the pressure of trying to break her own world record as she aims to add a IAAF’s first female Vice President, former Colombian sprinter , poses next to IAAF’s Presi- World Championships gold dent Britain’s Sebastian Coe following his re-election for a second term in Doha on Wednesday. (AFP) medal to her 2016 Olympics 400m hurdles crown. The 29-year-old New Coe re-elected IAAF chief, hopes Yorker stunned the athlet- ics world in July when she obliterated one of the longest- standing records in women’s next four years are ‘the fun bit’ track and field during the US trials, storming to victory DPA/IAAF Newly elected members female vice president and that in 52.20sec. DOHA she will be joined by seven other Muhammad’s display Newly elected members of the IAAF Council. women on council. This is a his- sliced more than one tenth of a SEBASTIAN Coe was on Hiroshi Yokokawa (JPN), Antti Pihlakoski (FIN), Anna toric moment,” Coe said. second off the previous record Riccardi (ITA), Nan Wang (CHN), Adille Sumariwalla Wednesday unanimously re- (IND), (MAR), Abby Hoffman Coe is a former middle of 52.34sec, set by Russia’s elected as president of the (CAN), Sylvia Barlag (NED), Alberto Juantorena distance running great and in 2003, world governing athletics (CUB), Willie Banks (USA), Raul Chapado (ESP), double Olympic 1,500-metres and has led many wondering if body IAAF in an overwhelm- Dobromir Karamarinov (BUL), Beatrice Ayikoru (UGA). champion. He was chief or- the 52-second barrier may fall. ing show of the support from ganiser of the 2012 Muhammad, a silver med- the federation’s congress, helpful when you’re driving Olympics, was a Conservative allist at the 2013 and 2017 which also approved the ongo- the sport forward,” said Coe. Party member of parliament world championships, is un- ing suspension of Russia. “I am delighted that we have 1992-1997 and has a life peer- daunted by the challenge of Coe, 62, received the votes for the very first time elected age since 2000. breaking hew own world mark. of all 203 member federations a female Vice President and “I’m always aiming to run at the IAAF congress in Doha. that she will be joined by seven China’s Wanda is new my absolute best,” Muham- The Briton succeeded other women on council. This sponsor mad said in Doha on Thurs- Dalilah Muhammad stunned the athletics world in July when she obliterated one of the longest-standing Lamine Diack in 2015, with Di- is a historic moment.” Coe pledged a strengthening day. “And it just so happens records in women’s during the US trials, storming to victory in 52.20sec in 400m hurdles. ack now facing trial in France “I’m really honoured to of the one-day circuit and an- that my absolute best would over corruption charges, and take this position,” said Re- nounced China’s Wanda con- be another world record. champion , there is the biggest threat. has undergone major reform strepo. “It’s a great moment glomerate as new sponsor of the “It adds a little bit of pres- McLaughlin and Ash- “We don’t have too much efforts within the IAAF, with for me and for my country. elite Diamond League series. sure to the race, sure. But it ley Spencer, who have the sec- of a relationship,” Muhammad the focus now to shift to sport. “I think we, as women, now Coe’s second term how- makes you want to run fast. I’m always aiming to run ond and third fastest times in said of McLaughlin. “This was not an easy jour- have more opportunities than ever also starts with the ongo- It makes you want to go out my absolute best. And it the world this year, at 52.85sec “We’re very supportive of ney. The first four years have before. I just hope I can do a ing suspension of Russia, over there and prove what you said just so happens that my and 53.11sec respectively. one another I think we defi- been the time of change, the good job. I’d like to thank all of wide-ranging doping practices – so why not?” Muhammad “I can definitely say it’s the nitely see each other as com- next will be the time of build- the member federations who in the country, which started is buoyed by the fact that her absolute best would be deepest we’ve ever been,” Mu- petition.” Muhammad mean- ing,” Coe said. “I hope the next voted for me. I hope I can be all in November 2015. record-breaking run in Iowa another world record. It hammad said. “We push each while hopes that this year’s four are the fun bit.” that they expected me to be.” Congress approved an ac- came after a slow start. adds a little bit of other. We know that if any of race can produce another Ximena Restrepo, the Ukraine’s Sergey Bubka, cording recommendation by “I just need to be a little bit pressure. But it makes us have a mistake on any given lucky number. 1992 Olympic 400m bronze Geoffrey Gardner of Norfolk the council with a 164-30 ma- faster at each point,” she said. day you’re likely to not win. After setting the world re- medallist from , was Islands, and Saudi Arabian jority, with China among those “My race was pretty good. But you want to run fast. It “So if you’re not perfect or cord in July she realised that meanwhile elected first female Nawaf Bin Mohammed al Saud opposed. The IAAF Council the start wasn’t that great. makes you want to go out don’t run a good race, you’re her winning time – 52.20sec – vice-president in the federa- as the other three vice-presi- will be composed of 26 mem- “I think putting my better there and prove what you not likely to win. I enjoy that had a special significance. tion’s 117-year history dents, and six women among bers, eight of whom are wom- start with that race is going pressure though.” “You know what is so cra- Coe welcomed Restrepo, 13 elected regular IAAF coun- en. The 13 newly elected mem- to end up with a faster time.” said – so why not? The 20-year-old McLaugh- zy? My winning time was the who now lives in , as one cil members brought female bers will be joined by six Area Spurring Muhammad towards – Dalilah Muhammad lin, who beat Muhammad in PIN number for my first credit of the new Vice Presidents and representation in the powerful Presidents and two members a possible new record is a phe- the Diamond League final in card,” she said. “I never even offered his congratulations. body to a record total of eight. of the Athletes’ Commission, nomenally talented pool of Zurich last month as well as thought about it until I ran that “Ximena is a former ath- “I am delighted that we have one man and one woman, in- American women who could dium in Doha. at the Oslo Diamond League time and I thought ‘Wow, that lete which is tremendously for the very first time elected a cluding the Chair. well end up sweeping the po- As well as 2017 defending meeting in June, represents used to be my PIN number.’” Sports Thursday, September 26, 2019 13 Thawadi extols the transformational power of sports at Concordia Summit

“We also launched the proud of is the reimburse- The SC secretary- logo for our tournament a few ment of recruitment fees, general participates weeks ago, which we project- which many migrant workers ed onto iconic buildings in cit- are forced to pay in order to in a session on ies across the region. The sup- move abroad to a job which the sidelines of the port and reaction were just will support their families. invigorating and a significant “We coordinated with a 74th United Nations portion came from blockad- number of our contractors and ing nations. It confirms the vi- they have agreed to reimburse General Assembly sion we have – sport is a uni- any worker who says they paid titled ‘Sport’s fying platform and nothing is recruitment fees – irrespec- more powerful.” tive of whether there is a pa- Transformational Thawadi went on to say per trail. We are on track to Power: The first that Qatar is determined that reimburse around $20 million its tournament will leave a last- to workers by 2021 – includ- FIFA World Cup in ing legacy well after the final ing many who are not engaged the Middle East’ whistle on 18 December 2022. directly on World Cup pro- “For me, the measure of jects. That’s an example of the success will be in 2025 and legacy we want to leave.” SC.QA 2026, when you look at young In addition to his appear- DOHA people and see that they have ance at the Concordia Annual directly or indirectly benefitted Summit, Thawadi also held bi- HASSAN al Thawadi said Qa- from our hosting of the World lateral meetings with numerous tar would welcome everyone Cup. Success will be finding figures and organisations from to enjoy the first FIFA World individuals where this tourna- public, private and civil society, Cup in the Middle East in ment has bettered their lives.” including Centre for Sports and three years’ time. Another area being Human Rights, Red Cross/Red Speaking on the sidelines boosted by Qatar’s hosting of Crescent, International Rescue of the 74th United Nations the FIFA World Cup is social Committee, World Economic General Assembly (UNGA) in development, including re- Forum and Uber. New York, the Secretary Gen- forms to Qatar’s labour mar- The Concordia Annual eral of the Supreme Commit- ket, said Thawadi. Summit, which launched in tee for Delivery & Legacy said Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Hassan al Thawadi speaking at the 2019 Concordia Summit in New York. “Before 2010, Qatar com- 2011, takes place on an an- Qatar 2022 will be a tourna- mitted to worker welfare re- nual basis in ment for everyone – whatever by NBC’s Ayman Mohyeldin. of view but our differences Thawadi said Qatar 2022 view, the region is together. forms but when the spotlight on the sidelines of UNGA. It their background. “Everyone will be wel- should not separate us – we was already uniting the region People are supportive of the came (from the World Cup) it convenes the world’s most Thawadi was speaking come in Qatar – this will be should appreciate our differ- – three years before the big World Cup. served as a catalyst to acceler- prominent business, govern- during the 2019 Concordia an inclusive tournament,” ences. Our humanity is the kick-off and despite the ongo- “We recently opened up a ate those reforms. Since then, ment and non-profit leaders Summit. He was taking part said Thawadi. commonality between us. ing political blockade. volunteering forum and over we have cooperated with in- to examine the world’s most in a question and answer “It’s the first World Cup “Throughout history peo- “Politically, there are is- 200,000 people from the ternational organisations and pressing challenges to iden- session titled ‘Sport’s Trans- in an Arab, Middle Eastern ple have constantly visited Qa- sues, and my country is cur- region expressed an inter- made extensive progress in tify avenues for collaboration, formational Power: The first country and that’s a great op- tar and felt safe. It is a welcom- rently subject to an illegal ested in taking part, including areas such as health and safe- foster dialogue and enable ef- FIFA World Cup in the Middle portunity. We don’t all neces- ing nation and we will host a blockade. But if you look at many people from blockading ty and others. fective partnerships for posi- East’. The session was hosted sarily share the same point welcoming tournament.” it from the people’s point of states. “One area we are very tive social impact. Struggling Umm Salal seek first Stars of tomorrow set for AFC Thailand 2020 draw AFC Felix Sanchez to lead them in a win against newcomers Al Wakrah BANGKOK bid to claim their first-ever title. Iraq and Japan, two former TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK THE draw for the eagerly an- champions who clinched the DOHA ticipated AFC U23 Champion- title in 2014 and 2016 respec- ship Thailand 2020 will take tively, are in Pot 2 with 2016 UMM Salal and Al Wakrah place on Thursday in Bangkok runners-up and 2012 London will open Week Five action as the Continent’s top 16 teams Olympics bronze medalist, Ko- when both teams clash in the discover their opponents for the rea Republic as well as regional Qatar Stars League at the Al tournament scheduled from rivals, DPR Korea. Arabi Stadium on Thursday. January 8-26. The 2018 hosts, China, 2014 Umm Salal have managed There is extra significance third place finishers Jordan are just one point from their open- for this edition of the AFC U23 in Pot 3 together with Australia ing four games, while new- Championship as the top three and Saudi Arabia, who will be comers Al Wakrah have two teams will join Japan in qualify- hoping their promising stars wins and narrowly lost to Al ing for the 2020 Olym- from their AFC U-19 Champi- Duhail last weekend. pics in July. onship 2018 winning side will Al Wakrah coach Mar- Teams will be divided into be ready to improve on their quez Lopez said his team Al Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez (centre) with midfielder Mohammed Waad (left) during a press confer- four groups and have been best-ever performance when will not take the Barzan’s Fal- Umm Salal coach Raul Caneda ence ahead of their QNB Stars League match against Umm Salal. seeded according to their final they finished runners-up to Iraq cons lightly. ranking from the last edition six years ago. “I am satisfied generally pared to meet Umm Salal. I am “Our goal is to win and four goals scored and 10 con- against a team like Al Sadd,” in China – with position A1 re- Meanwhile, Iran and Unit- with my team’s performance. happy with my players’ perfor- improve our position in the ceded, Umm Salal need results Caneda said. served for Thailand who will be ed Arab Emirates return to the We will play in the fifth round mance so far,” the - table. The most important to start going their way quickly. “Al Wakrah are a special the first Southeast Asian nation tournament after missing out against a team similar to us. born Lopez said on Wednesday. thing for me is the balance “I do not think that our re- team. However, we are well- to host the prestigious tourna- on the last edition in the final I have warned the players of The Blue Waves who between attack and defence sults are frustrating especially prepared to face them and we ment. pot with debutants Bahrain and the opponents, who are a good caused problems for cham- in our games, so we can when we are having a long sea- will strive for our first win in Defending champions Uz- 2014 quarter-finalist Syria com- team even though they have pions Al Sadd in the opening achieve what we are looking son, with winning and losing the league and three points. bekistan will take their place pleting the line-up. only one point. weekend have scored seven for,” the Spaniard added. part of the game. I work with my assistants alongside the 2018 runners-up If Japan, who qualify as All games are difficult in the goals already this season with Meanwhile, Umm Salal “The team’s work over the and players on how to strike a in Pot 1. The two finalists will hosts of the Tokyo Olympic QNB Stars league, not just the Mohamed Benyettou leading coach Raul Caneda has played past week has been good. Un- right balance in the team. We be joined by Qatar, who have Games, are one of the leading next one against Umm Salal. the attack having bagged four down the team’s form. With fortunately, we have not won, hope for the best against Al recently appointed AFC Asian three nations then the fourth- However, our team is well-pre- goals laready. three defeats and a draw – only but then it is not easy to play Wakrah,” he added. Cup UAE 2019 winning coach, placed team will qualify. Volunteers await accreditation, Uruguay revels in ‘historic’ Rugby World Cup win AFP know much about rugby start of 2019 Doha Worlds MONTEVIDEO The South American but who, in front a ‘Celeste’ minnows pulled off the (light blue) shirt on the IKOLI VICTOR tion, media and ticketing.” manage them on the day is URUGUAY’S shock win over greatest upset in their screen, don’t waver,” Ignacio DOHA Asked on the number of also facing the Local Organis- Fiji at the Rugby World Cup history on Wednesday as Chans, author of a book on volunteers waiting to pick up ing Committee and the secu- triggered unprecedented reac- they stunned Fiji 30-27 in the national team, wrote in OVER a thousand volunteers, their accreditation, Adel said: rity department. tions back home in a country El Observador. who registered to help Qatar “We have over a thousand vol- According to an official in where football is king and the Kamaishi, catapulting For Los Teros, a nickname prepare for the IAAF World unteers waiting to collect their the security department, the majority of its rugby players rugby to the top of the derived from the national bird Athletics Championship Doha accreditation and resume in security check is a routine pro- are non-professionals. news in Uruguay. of Uruguay, the initial goal was 2019, are still waiting to re- their postings. As you can see tocol that must be carried out The South American min- to leave Japan with at least one ceive their accreditations for here there are many people on every applicant before an nows pulled off the great- and they won,” a bus driver win. Now, the aim is to register the Middle East’s biggest ever waiting to either pick up their approval is granted. est upset in their history on in Montevideo bellowed after another victory against Geor- sporting event which begins at badges, get cleared by security Meanwhile, badges for vol- Wednesday as they stunned learning of the result, which gia, a team in theory closer to the Khalifa International Sta- or by the organisers IAAF.” unteers who will perform at the Fiji 30-27 in Kamaishi, cata- fell in the middle of the night their level. dium and Corniche on Friday. He added that operation opening ceremony are also still pulting rugby to the top of the in Uruguay. That would enable them to Volunteers are the spirit in his department has been awaited. There are about 400 news in Uruguay. On the radio and in the finish third in Pool C, behind of any major sporting event smooth so far as volunteers volunteers for this category. World champions in foot- papers, sports commentators frontrunners Wales and Aus- and the IAAF World Athletics must first get cleared by securi- One of the performers said: ball in 1930 and 1950, it was more accustomed to reporting tralia, and qualify for the next Championships Doha 2019 is ty before picking up their badg- “I have collected my badge and just Uruguay’s third Rugby on the national football team, edition in 2023. a huge motivation for many es and proceed to the uniform I am excited and looking for- World Cup win in four tour- were suddenly passionate “We are not the biggest, we who want to be part of mak- section to collect their kits. He ward to Friday’s ceremony. naments, after victories over about the oval ball. are not the tallest but we came ing history, says Adel Ahmed, said he’s having a good time Some of my colleagues haven’t in 1999 and against Uruguay’s scrum-half “Historic. Los Teros here to win,” said Uruguay Uniform Deputy Manager. in the operation with his team collected yet and have been Georgia in 2003. Arata (centre) scores a try during shocked the world of rugby captain Juan Gaminara, who Speaking on the total num- made up of 70 volunteers. told to come on Thursday.” The defeat of Fiji, who were the Japan 2019 Rugby World and beat Fiji,” read the head- broke down in tears at the end ber of volunteers for the big More than 5,000 applica- A female volunteer said: “I ranked nine places above them, Cup against Fiji at the Kamaishi line of the digital version of of the Fiji game. event on Wednesday, he said: tions were received to volun- feel privileged to be selected represents a huge feat for a Recovery Memorial Stadium on El Pais. “We had been preparing for “Over 2350 have been con- teer for the IAAF World Ath- but my husband is still wait- country where barely 10,000 Wednesday. (AFP) “We are all involved in the game for four years. We’re firmed to volunteer for the event letics Championship and the ing to get his clearance so we players – in a population of just this story. Those who have a team and we win as a team,” in different areas like transport, task to select the most suitable are stuck here to get security over three million – are regis- dents at top private schools. followed Los Teros for a added Uruguay’s Argentine- venue management, accredita- people for the occasion and clearance and approval.” tered, many of whom are stu- “The odds were 15 to 1 while and those who don’t born coach Esteban Meneses. 14 Thursday, September 26, 2019 Sports Warrior Felix eyes golden track finale in Doha AFP daughter Camryn via an emergency “If we have children, we risk pay DOHA C-section in November last year. cuts from our sponsors during preg- More than 160 Felix though says she is not go- nancy and afterward,” Felix wrote in A warrior on and off the track, Ally- ing to be satisfied making up the a New York Times editorial. “It’s one son Felix is determined to go out on numbers in the final stages of her ca- example of a sports industry where broadcasters to her own terms as she sets out on the reer, and is determined to compete the rules are still mostly made for final leg of her glittering career at the in Tokyo next year in the individual and by men.” telecast Doha World Championships this week. 400m. The effects of Felix’s criticisms After 16 years at the pinnacle of “I think it would be crazy for me were striking. Nike swiftly changed her sport, the 33-year-old American to say that I was disappointed,” Felix its policy, vowing to ensure no fe- Worlds 2019 has accumulated more World Cham- said after her sixth place finish at the male athlete is adversely impacted pionship and Olympic honours than US trials. financially by pregnancy. action for fans any other track and field athlete in “I have my health, I have my history. family, I couldn’t ask for more than NEW SPONSORSHIP TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK In Doha, she will be aiming to that. And I am able to still do what Felix meanwhile signed a new DOHA add to an incredible collection of 25 I love.” sponsorship deal with the Athleta medals, a dazzling haul that includes leisurewear company, in a move she THE IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha six Olympic golds and 11 World TRAIL BLAZER says redefines “what sponsorship 2019 gets underway at the Khalifa International Championship titles. Felix, who took silver in the 400m looks like.” Stadium on Friday and will run until October 6. The Worlds mark the start of final behind the Bahamas’ Shaunae “They’re excited to celebrate me Fans can follow all the action on the IAAF web- Unusually for what is in all probability a year-long Miller-Uibo in the Rio Olympics in as a whole athlete. That’s not just my site, its associated platforms and via more than Felix, Doha lap of honour, with Felix eyeing a 2016, is confident however that her performance, but being a mother 160 broadcasters from around the world. marks the first golden farewell at what will be her performances at the US trial indicate and an activist as well,” Felix told the time that she fifth in Tokyo next she has plenty left in the tank. Washington Post in a recent inter- LIVE COVERAGE year. “I want to be back at the Olym- view. THE IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha will not be Unusually for Felix, Doha marks pics,” Felix said. “I want that more Felix says motherhood changed 2019 will be broadcast around the world in more entered in an the first time that she will not be en- than anything. I want to go out on her outlook on life, making her more than 160 territories. Fans from all other territories individual event tered in an individual event at a ma- my terms. A little sacrifice here or inclined to speak out. After challeng- will have access to a live stream on the IAAF’s at a major jor championships after she failed to there, I believe it will be worth it.” ing Nike, she is already looking to- YouTube channel. championships finish in the top three at the US trials While Felix remains first and wards a future where women have a And you can listen live, too! Follow the IAAF Pro- after she failed in July. foremost a competitor, she has also greater say in athletics. duction team’s audio coverage of every race, jump to finish in the Instead, Felix will travel as part emerged as a leading voice for the “More women at the table, de- and throw during each competition session. of the US relay pool as the Americans rights of women athletes. cision-makers -- that is definitely top three at the look to defend the 4x400m title they In May, she denounced long- what is needed,” Felix says. “Wom- BROADCAST INTENTIONS PER TERRITORY US trials in July. won in London. time sponsors Nike over the compa- en who have been through this. FANS from the fol- That in itself represents a vic- ny’s maternity practices, calling for Who have experiences. Who can lowing territories and tory for Felix, who only returned to greater support for female athletes come up with a number of things off countries can tune in racing in July after a 13-month ab- who take time off from the sport to the top of their head of ways we can to either free or pay TV : Looking strong for more glory. sence, which saw her give birth to her have children. be supported.” coverage of the world championships and may check local listings for broadcast times.

A list of territories in Africa and Asia Top Russian athlete where a live stream will be available is here. Broadcasters per territory (it blasts Moscow may be updated as necessary). sports officials AFRICA Algeria: EPTV, Abu Dhabi Media (cable and satellite) Angola: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Benin: ORTB, Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport AFP Botswana: BTV, Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport MOSCOW Burkina Faso: RTBF, Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Burundi: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Cameroon: CRTV, Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport RUSSIAN champion Mariya La- Cape Verde: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport sitskene hit out at Moscow’s sports officials Central African Republic: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport ahead of this month’s world championships Chad: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport, Abu Dhabi Media (cable and satellite) in Doha, saying she will not let them stop Comoros: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Congo Democratic Republic: RTNC, Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport her from going to another Olympics. Congo Republic: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) gave Russia three weeks to explain Djibouti: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport, Abu Dhabi Media (cable and satellite) “inconsistencies” in a cache of laboratory Egypt: Abu Dhabi Media (cable and satellite) Equatorial Guinea: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport data handed over to investigators, raising Eritrea: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Ethiopia: EBC, Pan Sub-Saharan Africa the possibility of a fresh ban on the country Supersport in the build-up to the Tokyo Olympics. Gabon: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Gambia: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Ghana: GTV, Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Lasitskene, a two-time world champion, Guinea: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport is one of the Russian athletes who has been Guinea Bissau: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport allowed to compete under a neutral flag . She was barred from taking part in Jordan: Abu Dhabi Media (cable and satellite) Ivory Coast: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport the 2016 Rio Olympics, and said she has Kenya: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport “no certainty” that Russian athletes will Lesotho: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport be allowed to take part in the 2020 Tokyo Liberia: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Olympics. Libya: Abu Dhabi Media (cable and satellite) Madagascar: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport “I do not intend to miss a second Olym- Malawi: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Mali: ORTM, Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport pics in a row because of some strange peo- Mauritania: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport, Abu Dhabi Media (cable and satellite) ple that cannot do their job honestly,” the Mauritius: MBC, Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport 26-year-old wrote on Instagram, referring Mayotte: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport to Russian athletic officials. Morocco: Abu Dhabi Media (cable and satellite) Mozambique: TVM, Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Namibia: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Niger: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Nigeria: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Reunion: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Rwanda: RTVS, Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Sao Tome & Principe: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Coleman, Fraser-Pryce lead top 10 stars Senegal: RTS, Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Seychelles: SBC, Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Sierra Leone: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport DPA Olympics and is the firm favour- St. Helena: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport DOHA Somalia: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport, Abu Dhabi Media (cable and satellite) ARMAND DUPLANTIS is the ite in Doha, having bettered the South Africa: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport new shooting star of pole vault- world record to 52.20 seconds South Sudan: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport A new generation of athletes ing. The America-born Swedish this year. It makes her only the Sudan: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport, Abu Dhabi Media (cable and satellite) joins some established ones teenager raised his personal best second woman in the discipline Swaziland: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Tanzania: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport seeking stardom in the wake of by 13 centimetres to a stunning to win Olympic gold and hold Togo: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Usain Bolt’s retirement at the 6.05m for the European title last the world record, the other being world athletics championships. year. The world junior champion Britain’s . Tunisia: Abu Dhabi Media (cable and satellite) Following are 10 athletes to has cleared 6m again this year Uganda: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport Western Sahara: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport watch at the September 27-Octo- and does not hide that he wants Zambia: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport ber 6 event in Doha. to dominate the sport in the same can become the first women’s Zimbabwe: Pan Sub-Saharan Africa Supersport way Sergey Bubka and his men- high jumper to win the world MEN tor Renaud Lavillenie did in the title three times in a row. The ASIA past. 26-year-old Russian, competing Bahrain: Abu Dhabi Media Malaysia: ASTRO American Christian Coleman (left) and Sheylly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica. Brunei: ASTRO Maldives: STAR Sports India leads the season list as a neutral athlete in Doha, won Bangladesh: STAR Sports India Nepal: STAR Sports India for a third straight year, with KARSTEN WARHOLM has 45 competitions in a row between Bhutan: STAR Sports India Oman: Abu Dhabi Media 9.81 seconds, and finally seeks been the leading 400m hurdles within eight centimetres of Jona- son who has also run 10.73 this June 2016 and June 2018, and China: CCTV Pakistan: STAR Sports India his first major outdoor title. The runner of the past years and is the than Edwards’ record 18.29m season. 11 of her 12 this year, soaring a India: STAR Sports India Palestine: Abu Dhabi Media Iran: Abu Dhabi Media Qatar: Abu Dhabi Media 23-year-old American had to set- title holder in Doha. The 23-year- from 1995 and a possibly fears world lead 2.06m. But she failed Iraq: Abu Dhabi Media Saudi Arabia: Abu Dhabi Media tle for silver behind old Norwegian recently stormed duel with compatriot season DINA ASHER-SMITH is to clear 2m in her last two events Japan: TBS Sri Lanka: STAR Sports India in 2017 and then took the world to second on the all-time list with leader Will Clyne (18.14) could bidding to become the new face and was beaten for the first time Korea, Democratic Peoples Republic: Syria: Abu Dhabi Media indoor title over 60m last year. 46.92 seconds but the 2018 Eu- see the record finally fall. of the women’s sprints after a by Ukraine’s Yuliya Levchenko, Galaxia SM Taiwan: Eleven Sports, Videoland Korea, Republic of: Galaxia SM UAE (including Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, But Coleman was also at the cen- ropean champion could face stiff famous European title treble the 2017 silver medallist. Kuwait: Abu Dhabi Media Fujairah, Ras Al Khamimeh, Umm Al tre of a controversy around three competition from local hope Ab- WOMEN last year. The 23-year-old Brit- Lebanon: Abu Dhabi Media (cable and Quwain and Sharjah): Abu Dhabi Media missed doping tests but has since derrahmen Samba and American SHELLY-ANN FRASER- on has won relay medals at the has satellite) Yemen: Abu Dhabi Media been cleared to run in Doha. American Rai Benjamin who PRYCE is back from maternity 2016 Olympics and 2017 worlds, ruled the lately with have also run faster than 47 sec- leave and the co-world lead over and now eyes individual med- 2016 Olympic gold, the 2017 NOAH LYLES specialises onds. 100m with 10.73 seconds shows als at the global stage, ranked world title and 2018 European in Bolt’s former pet event, the she is as fast as before the break fourth in the 100m and 200m top spot. The 25-year-old Bel- 200m, and his time of 19.50 sec- CHRISTIAN TAYLOR is a and ready to add to her silver- season lists. gian leads the season with 6,819 onds this year puts him fourth on three-time world champion and ware of nine gold and 15 medals points she achieved despite an the all-time list. double Olympic champion in the overall from worlds and Olym- DELILAH MUHAMMAD elbow injury in Talence, France, Like Coleman, the 22-year- triple jump, with the only thing pics. The 32-year-old Jamican wants gold at last at the worlds clearing a heptathlon record old is in search of his biggest title missing in his illustrious career “pocket rocket” however faces a after two silvers in the 400m 2.02m at that event. She has also after 2014 Youth Olympics gold being the world record. The major domestic rival in the blue hurdles. The 29-year-old Ameri- bettered the national and the 2015 Pan American title. 29-year-old American has come riband event in Elaine Thomp- can has a gold from the 2016 record to 6.86m this year.