This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
On a day that promised world-class action, brilliant weather, and high adrenaline, the Nyayo National Stadium was a shadow of its former self. The terraces remained largely empty as athletes vied for spots at the IAAF World Championships in Doha.
Live television production crews struggled to fill dead airtime on the opening day of the two-day Doha trials, which were plagued by cancelled sprint events due to a lack of lane quorum. Many sprinters failed to show up, citing the lack of qualifying standards for Doha as a reason for their absence.
The event lacked the entertainment and innovation that could have attracted a new generation of fans. Huge speakers amplified the commentary from the arena commentators, but that was the only sound the spectators were treated to. No live performances or marketing efforts were made to sell athletics and promote Kenyan stars.
As a result, another opportunity to market Kenyan athletes and attract new fans was lost.
