Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, is optimistic about the potential impact of a new Netflix series focusing on sprinting in boosting the popularity of athletics. The series, set against the backdrop of last year’s world championships in Budapest, aims to showcase the global appeal and competitiveness of the sport, similar to successful series featuring Formula One, golf, and tennis.
In an interview ahead of the World Athletics Relays in Nassau, Coe expressed his excitement about the project, highlighting its potential to attract new audiences and shed light on the talent and diversity within athletics.
“One of the things that really surprised [the Netflix team] is when you go to a world championships and on the first day you’re celebrating gold medals from Dominica and Ecuador, you know that you are in a truly global sport,” Coe remarked.
The absence of charismatic figures like Usain Bolt has been felt in athletics, but stars like Noah Lyles are emerging as key personalities in the sport. Lyles, who claimed treble world gold at Budapest, sees the series as an opportunity to tell compelling stories and showcase the hard work behind athletes’ performances.
“People can understand 100% that it’s just not one race,” commented Italy’s Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs. “We have our lives off the track. I think it’s really important that people see how much hard work we do every day for 365 days in one year.”
Despite the excitement surrounding the series, Coe acknowledges the risks involved in showcasing athletes, as they possess transferable skills that may attract interest from other sports. However, he remains hopeful that the series will provide valuable exposure to athletics and inspire viewers to appreciate the talent and dedication of athletes worldwide.
Plans are already underway for a second series using the Paris Olympics as a backdrop, indicating a continued effort to promote the sport and engage audiences on a global scale. With the launch of the Netflix series, Coe is optimistic that athletics will receive the recognition it deserves, showcasing the extraordinary talent and inclusive nature of the sport to audiences around the world.
