This archive report was first published on 13 November 2019.
On November 6, World Athletics announced plans to overhaul the Diamond League series, citing a need to streamline events and make them more attractive for television audiences.
However, the move has been met with widespread criticism from athletes, who claim they were not consulted in the decision-making process.
USA Track and Field's Athletes Advisory Committee has written an open letter to World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe, calling on the global body to reverse plans to axe the triple jump, the 200 meters, steeplechase, and discus from the Diamond League program.
The letter, which was signed by the USATF athlete's grouping, accused World Athletics of being "completely out of touch with the sport they are entrusted to grow and protect".
"The IAAF and Diamond League organisers have shown themselves to be completely out of touch with the sport they are entrusted to grow and protect," the letter said.
"We understand changes need to be made in order to attract the appeal of a global audience, but the IAAF has shown no desire to include a sufficient number of athletes in the thought or decision-making process and this is where our frustration lies," the letter added.
Christian Taylor, an American triple jump star, has announced the launch of a global group aimed at giving athletes a bigger say in the sport.
"The United States athletes have grown exhausted of accepting the unfavourable decisions made by the IAAF, which are typically made with minimal input from the athletes," the USATF's athletes council added.
World Athletics' reforms have met with widespread criticism, with triple jump world record holder Jonathan Edwards saying that denying Taylor a stage to compete was "beyond comprehension".
