Post by Carl LaFong on Sept 28, 2019 15:10:26 GMT
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/49860159
World champion decathlete Kevin Mayer says holding the World Athletics Championships in Doha is a "disaster".
The championships started on Friday but 28 runners dropped out of the women's marathon because of 32C temperatures even though it was held at midnight.
Crowds in the Khalifa International Stadium have so far been sparse.
"We can all see it's a disaster, there is no-one in the stands, and the heat has not been adapted at all," the French world record holder, 27, said.
"There have already been nearly 30 withdrawals in the women's marathon. It's sad.
"We have to leave reason aside and more concentrate on the passion, because if not I would have boycotted these championships.
"We haven't really prioritised athletes when organising the championships here. It makes it difficult."
World champion decathlete Kevin Mayer says holding the World Athletics Championships in Doha is a "disaster".
The championships started on Friday but 28 runners dropped out of the women's marathon because of 32C temperatures even though it was held at midnight.
Crowds in the Khalifa International Stadium have so far been sparse.
"We can all see it's a disaster, there is no-one in the stands, and the heat has not been adapted at all," the French world record holder, 27, said.
"There have already been nearly 30 withdrawals in the women's marathon. It's sad.
"We have to leave reason aside and more concentrate on the passion, because if not I would have boycotted these championships.
"We haven't really prioritised athletes when organising the championships here. It makes it difficult."