I\u2019m no longer trying to set world records. So now I can fully pontificate on those who achieve world records in a surprising way. It\u2019s called \u201cWavelight.” Remember reading about the various marathon world record stunts which used laser-produced glowing red squares moving ahead of runners cast by a vehicle moving at exactly world-record pace? All you have to do is follow the red square, and you\u2019ll end up in the Emerald City….errr, the finish line! Well, this latest invention installs LED lights set-up on a track oval every meter, with the lights turning on at the prescribed pace to achieve whatever you need! It could be for interval training on a track, or for elite world record attempts. They say the audience loves it – they can see if the lead pack or front-runner is going to set a WR. Here\u2019s a little history of this newest innovation using the latest technology to the aid of runners.<\/p>\n
Just Follow the Moving Lights! via reddit.com<\/em><\/p>\n I have to speak out on this recent development. The \u201cWavelight\u201d system became official in 2020 when the World Athletics granted its approval for use in track meets. There has been an uproar, since world records are being set on such tracks – offering an obvious unfair advantage not available in previous world record attempts. A little history – Robotronix Europe and Sport Technologies developed the system, though it had been used before on tracks not worrying about international rules. Originally it was banned by the World Athletics (rule 144.3) – considering it \u201cpacing by any kind of technical device\u201d. Then in 2020, the WA added a new \u201crule 144.4\u201d which allowed the moving lights around the track, because it was not considered assistance to pacing. Why? Because it was not an aid to runners but a \u201cnew service\u201d for the spectators. (?) Wow. Suddenly the moving lights weren\u2019t seen as an assistance \u201cof any significance to the athletes\u201d. It appears the track world was needing spectators, thus this was a financial decision! Oh, the purity of running just got smeared. Will all local tracks start saving up their funds to purchase a \u201cspectator-enhancing\u201d gimmick to spur on ticket sales? I hope not. It\u2019s pretty hard to imagine the MSU\u2019s athletic department requesting extra $$ in next year\u2019s budget to install the Wavelight system. Okay, I might buy a ticket to one of their track meets just to see it in action…but on 2nd thought, I think not!<\/p>\n Wavelight during a track meet. Via trackandfieldnews.com<\/em><\/p>\n As an NCAA Div III track coach back in the \u201880\u2019s, I attended a track and field workshop (I think in Kansas City) where Sebastian Coe (who held the WR in the 800 meter) was speaking, along with his dad and coach Peter Coe. Their British accents made their presentation all that much more riveting. Their topic revealed how Sebastian was able to establish the WR due to his dad\u2019s grueling workouts based on uphill \u201cfartleks\u201d. I paid rapt attention, and included their advice with my distance runners. So I was crestfallen when I found out the president of the World Athletics Council was none other than Sebastian Coe. The organization started out as a governing body (IAAF – International Amateur Athletics Federation) for amateur running events in 1912. Being an amateur organization (receiving no money for running), and trying to keep the sport from being a way to earn money, used to be so important. Runners were banned from competing if the IAAF discovered money had changed hands.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/winddrinkers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Screenshot-2023-06-27-at-10.21.38-AM.png\")
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