Second Chances: The Repechage Rounds Revolutionize Olympic Track Events

The repechage rounds, inspired by sports like rowing and wrestling, will be introduced at Stade de France to give Olympic track athletes a second chance to qualify for semi-finals. While some athletes are reluctant about it, the new rule aims to make competitions more straightforward and engaging for fans.

Olympic track athletes will have a new lifeline at Stade de France with the introduction of repechage rounds, a concept borrowed from sports such as rowing and wrestling. These rounds offer runners a second chance to qualify for semi-finals if they don't make it through their initial heat.

Critics and supporters are divided; some athletes have never heard of repechage, while others, like 100-meter hurdles champion Masai Russell, see its merit but hope not to use it. "It's like a make-up quiz," Russell compared, emphasizing its value for events where unexpected mishaps can occur.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe believes this rule change will simplify the events for both participants and audiences. Athletes who trip over hurdles or make strategic errors won't face immediate elimination. Instead, they will compete again in the repechage round, aiming for the remaining semi-final spots.

(With inputs from agencies.)