This archive report was first published on 14 November 2019.
On November 14, 2019, World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon responded to a letter from the Global Throwing Group, addressing their concerns about changes in the Diamond League.
The group had expressed disappointment over the exclusion of discus from the 2020 Diamond League final programme and television broadcast, as well as the steeplechase and 200 meters races.
In his open letter, Ridgeon argued that market demands forced the changes, stating, "After 10 years of existence, the market demanded that the Diamond League product now evolve, as evidenced by the fact that the league has not enjoyed the presence of a title sponsor for the last eight years."
"After 10 years of existence, the market demanded that the Diamond League product now evolve, as evidenced by the fact that the league has not enjoyed the presence of a title sponsor for the last eight years." - Jon Ridgeon, World Athletics CEO
He also highlighted the introduction of the World Athletics Continental Tour, a new one-day meeting series, as a key development.
World Athletics has invested time and considerable funds to create this new series, which Ridgeon believes will provide a strong alternative to the Diamond League.
