Tuwei backs WA on new running
Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei addresses a press conference at Riadha House on January 17, 2020. Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
What you need to know:
- Tuwei said AK received the documents on Rule 5 last week and is in the process of informing its members. The amended rule was approved by World Athletics (WA) two weeks ago.
- Records and statistics will be declared invalid if a runner uses the wrong shoes. A section of social media users are unhappy after WA issued a reminder to organisers and member federations on August 10.
Athletics Kenya (AK) president Jackson Tuwei has castigated critics calling unfair the new World Athletics rules governing competition shoes.
The recently introduced Rule 5 puts a sole height limit of 25mm on all shoes worn in track events of 800 metre and above, including steeplechase.
In an interview Tuesday, Tuwei told Nation Sport that in sports, the spirit of fair play is paramount.
Critics say some running shoes, give unfair technological advantage, including Nike “Vaporfly” shoes which Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge wore when he became the first man to run 42 kilometres under two hours (1:59:40) in Austria last year.
A 30mm or 40mm road running shoe cannot be worn for track events because of the 25mm limit.
Invalid records
Tuwei said AK received the documents on Rule 5 last week and is in the process of informing its members. The amended rule was approved by World Athletics (WA) two weeks ago.
Records and statistics will be declared invalid if a runner uses the wrong shoes. A section of social media users are unhappy after WA issued a reminder to organisers and member federations on August 10.
Sports Chief Administrative Secretary Noor Hassan Noor (left), accompanied by Athletics Kenya President Rtd. Major Gen. Jack Tuwei right), and other officials during a visit at Kamariny Stadium in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County on July 18, 2020, to check on a return to work formula for the construction of the stadium which stalled in 2017.
Tom Remes asked: “Isn't a rule about sole thickness just another attempt to deprive people of their liberty?”
KR said: “It’s an unfair rule revision.” Konchellah92 joked, “(We should be) Ready for a lot of uncertified records.”
On the rule which came in force on July 28, Tuwei said in any business, markets are supposed to be regulated and protected.
