IAAF President Sebastian Coe said a new athletics team event, headlined by Usain Bolt, could "revolutionise" the sport, according to the BBC. The inaugural Nitro Athletics events take place in Melbourne next month, with six teams of 24 athletes taking part in "non-traditional" events such as middle-distance and hurdles relays. Nine-time Olympic champion Bolt, 30, will captain an "all-stars" team. Coe said, "We need brave, bold ideas that engage fans in events" (BBC, 1/4). ATHLETICS WEEKLY reported the series will see Australia take on Bolt's All-Stars and teams from England, China, Japan and New Zealand in a "new-look athletics format" at Melbourne's Lakeside Stadium on Feb. 4, Feb. 9 and Feb. 11. Coe also believes that athletes and fans want "more fun," adding, "Athletics is a global sport with a global following, but we need events that bring back the fun, the kids and the crowds. And we need to create events that deliver that and add a different dimension to the record-setting events like the World Championships." Coe will attend the Nitro Athletics Final on Feb. 11 and believes "the eyes of world sport, not just athletics, will be on Melbourne" (ATHLETICS WEEKLY, 1/4).
