Who Said the Throws Events Were Not TV-Friendly? A Response to the Events Lineup for the World Athletics Ultimate Championship 2026

Seriously, Who Decided Throws Aren’t TV-Friendly?!

When World Athletics unveiled the events list for the inaugural Ultimate Championship in late November, I was shocked—and frankly outraged—for my fellow competitors in the professional track and field space. How is it that events like shot put, discus, and women’s hammer throw didn’t make the cut? With a whopping $150,000 first-place prize on the line, these world-class athletes won’t even have the chance to compete for it.

The rationale? World Athletics wants to deliver a “made-for-television” experience by prioritizing fast-paced events. I get it—the goal is to capture the attention of new viewers, but let’s not pretend that throws aren’t captivating! After the stellar performances from athletes like Ryan Crouser, Valarie Allman, and Camryn Rogers at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the throws are more popular than ever. Cutting them from this showcase feels like a massive missed opportunity.

A Few Key Solutions That Were Overlooked

1. A Dedicated Throws Livestream
   Imagine this: a separate live stream just for throwing events. Thousands of fans would tune in—fans who, let’s be real, feel underserved by the current broadcast trends. Platforms like Peacock proved during the Paris Olympics that this kind of specialized coverage works. Why not replicate that success?
   
   

2. Social Media as a Megaphone for Throws
   Social media platforms have been instrumental in boosting track and field’s visibility. World Championships and Olympic Games have consistently highlighted throws in their digital coverage. So, why not now? If I were running the social accounts for Team USA or World Athletics, I’d be cranking out highlight reels, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes looks at the throwers. It’s a proven formula to grow engagement.
   
   

3. Reconsidering Timing Excuses
   Yes, throws take time—but no more than events with semifinals and finals. If timing is such a concern, why not stagger coverage like we saw at the Olympics? Give the fans who care about throws a space to follow their favorite athletes while still keeping the main broadcast streamlined.

   NBC, do you need a broadcaster to commentate on the throwing events? If so, CALL ME!!

Can This Really Be the “Ultimate Championship”?

Jon Ridgeon, CEO of World Athletics, said the event is designed to “…reach the biggest global audience possible.” If that’s true, how do you justify excluding events that feature some of the sport’s biggest stars and most inspiring moments?

Let’s talk consistency—why men’s hammer and not women’s? What was the selection process here? Fans and athletes deserve a clear explanation.

A Final Word

Look, I’m thrilled to see some of the throws included, and I wish the best of luck to every thrower competing. However, can we truly say this is the Ultimate Championship if we know some of the very best in the sport will not even have a chance to compete?

Throwing it Far,

SGB