Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was announced as a headliner for the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels scheduled for September 13 and 14.
The 400m hurdles world record holder will attempt a unique double in the 200 and 400m. This has caused an online uproar on why she has been included in the final despite not racing in any of the Diamond League meeting races prior to the final.
According to Owen, an athletics fan, the official Diamond League rules require an athlete to have competed in at least one meeting in the course of the season before being granted a wild card.
“Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone hasn’t competed at a DL meet this season, therefore not fulfilling the criteria for a global wildcard or having enough points to automatically qualify,” he said on X.
“So, either the rules have changed and we haven’t been informed, or they’re bending the rules for certain athletes. Either way, proper communication would be nice, and you’re setting a dangerous precedent when you set rules for some and not others, regardless of their event or dominance,” he added.
However, legendary American athlete Carl Lewis has jumped to the defence of the two-time Olympic 400m hurdles champion, noting that it is something that has happened for a long time.
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The nine-time Olympic champion sought the fans to not give a headache to McLaughlin-Levrone since she is one of the best athletes to watch. He added that they should focus on enjoying the event rather than the sideshows.
“They did it for me numerous times. It’s been happening for years, and It has always been a great idea. Get the best athletes to race, in any way you can,” Lewis argued.
“I’m not a fan of the Diamond League. The athletes have no tolerance for any battles. That has been shown in the past. Just enjoy the event. Put who they want that will enhance the meet. Done,” he added.
