Hicham El Guerrouj, the world 1,500 metres record holder, has called on the IAAF to bolster public interest in middle-distance running.
What is the issue?
The sport has been overshadowed by the feats of Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt, with El Guerrouj stating that endorsements and support for runners at longer distances are much less.
El Guerrouj told Reuters that youngsters are being lured away from athletics to other sports, which is a problem the IAAF must solve.
Why does it matter?
Bolt's sponsorship deal with Puma, estimated to be $10 million a year, highlights the disparity in endorsements between sprinters and middle-distance runners.
El Guerrouj, who also holds the world mile record, noted that his own sponsorship contracts were small change compared to those earned by football players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
What is the solution?
El Guerrouj emphasized the need for a zero-tolerance rule against doping in track and field, citing recent allegations against athletes like Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell-Brown.
The Moroccan athlete expressed concern over the impact of doping on the sport, stating that it is hard to talk about track and field today due to these issues.
As of 2007, El Guerrouj has been involved in promoting athletics, speaking to students at the Aspire Academy in Doha.
He believes that the IAAF must promote middle-distance races to be more in the limelight, giving athletes like himself more recognition and support.
The IAAF has a role to play in solving the problem of dwindling interest in middle-distance running, according to El Guerrouj.
By promoting these events and providing more support for athletes, the IAAF can help to revitalize the sport and attract new talent.
El Guerrouj's comments come at a time when track and field is facing challenges, including doping allegations and declining interest in certain events.
The sport needs athletes like El Guerrouj to speak out and advocate for change, in order to ensure its continued success and popularity.