The athletics competition starts today in Paris with some new events and new rules in place. TOI takes a look at some of the main and interesting changes:
Mixed relay race walk marathon: The event makes its debut in place of the 50km individual events and will see teams, comprising one male and one female, race in the marathon distance over four stages. The male athletes will start the race and get another chance to race in the third leg. The female athletes will compete in the second and fourth legs. It's among the many firsts that will be new to the athletics competition.
Repechage round: The repechage round, which was used at Olympics athletics competition in 1924, returns to the Paris Games which will see athletes get a second chance even if they crash out early in track events from 200m to 1500m including hurdles. This modification allows them to compete for a place in the semifinals. There will be preliminary rounds and repechage before the semis and finals and that means athletes will get to race at least twice.
Yellow and Red cards: Warnings to those who breach the rules may be indicated to the athlete by showing a yellow card. Exclusion will be conveyed with a red card. If the referee is aware that a yellow is already given, they will show a second yellow followed immediately by the red card. Those who are running under protest will be shown a red and white card.
Hot seats: There will also be hot seats for athletes who fail to make the next round. A total of 2-4 athletes will be in the hot seat and they will get another chance to advance in case of any pullouts from those qualified. Thus there will not be any empty lanes in the semis and final.
(WITH INPUTS FROM RAYSON TENNYSON)
