Athletics is one of the main components of the Olympic games and has always thrived on exceptional talents and charismatic figures, such as Jesse Owens in the 1930s, Carl Lewis in the 1980s, Michael Johnson in the 1990s, and Usain Bolt in the mid-to-late 2000s. Since Usain Bolt retired in 2017, there has been a massive void in the sport—a void needed to be filled by young up-and-coming superstars. The sport has been eager to look for its next superstar to keep it relevant and in the spotlight.
Up steps Noah Lyles, a 100m and 200m world champion and recently crowned 100m Olympic gold medalist. Sydney McLaughlin is a female superstar who has repeatedly broken the 400m hurdles world record and recently crowned 400m hurdle gold medalist. This article will explore why superstars are essential for a sport like athletics.
Superstars, notably Usain Bolt, bring visibility to a sport that struggles to compete commercially with the NBA, NFL, Football, Tennis, etc. It is because of this that athletics needs superstars and prominent personalities. Noah Lyles, the American sprinter, took the mantle from Usain Bolt as he dominated the 100m and 200m.
His great top-end speed and infectious personality have made him a household name. His performances at the World Championships and recent Olympics, alongside his social media personality, have helped keep the younger audience fully engaged with the sport. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who has broken the 400m hurdles world record an astonishing six times with her graceful running style, has captivated fans.
The performances and charisma of these two individuals over the last four years helped generate interest and media attention, which the sport desperately needs to stay relevant.
Superstars are role models for the younger generation. Inspiring young athletes is very important as it plays a big part in engaging with young people and creating a new generation of participants. Lyles and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s journeys represent humble beginnings and a ferocious work ethic to make it to the top of their sport.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s rise to the pinnacle of track and field has inspired many female athletes to participate in track and field, which many perceive to be a lesser sport than Women’s football and basketball. The relatability of Lyles and McLaughlin-Levrone’s story helps young people dream big and be ambitious about competing and winning gold medals at the Olympics.
The most crucial point is the financial impact these superstars bring to the sport through sponsorship deals. Lyle and McLaughlin-Levrone’s image as superstars of the sport can attract brands to invest in track and field, leading to better opportunities for athletes, improved training facilities, and increased funding to help young athletes achieve their Olympic dreams. Suppose Lyles and McLaughlin can continue performing at a high level.
In that case, they can attract new crowds, leading to higher ticket sales and increased merchandise, contributing to a considerable profit. Superstars add a vast financial dynamic to their sport, paving the way for a bright and prosperous future for athletics.
Lyle and McLaughlin-Levrone have performed outstandingly over the last four years. This has created a high level of competition, motivating their peers to take their performances to the next level. Rivalries have also been made, which is good for the sport as it creates high anticipation for track and field events. The competitive nature of these superstars improves the overall quality of the sport, making it an excellent product to watch.
To Conclude, superstars such as Lyles and McLaughlin-Levrone are essential for the sport to grow and see financial growth in the future. Both Lyles and McLaughlin-Levrone bring in sponsors through their personalities and high-level performances, and they help put the sport on the map and allow it to compete with other sports, such as tennis and swimming.
Track and Field has always been a great sport that has struggled to compete with other sports; however, it will always remain relevant if it can continue producing superstars who can push the boundaries of performance.
