Innovation often comes with resistance, and the latest controversy in track and field is no exception. “We’re the first championship to use wave light in a competitive setting,” TIG event director Noor Van der Lugt stated. But is it really an innovation, or a move to pull back athletes? European Athletics decided to use the LED lights alongside the track for the outdoor circuit—a total of 400 lights. But the decision faced a lot of backlash from the track and field fans, and European Athletics had to drop a detailed clarification.

European Athletics introduced Wavelight technology at the 2025 European Indoor Championships, aiming to revolutionize pacing in competitive racing. But instead of unanimous praise, the move sparked outrage among athletes and fans. Based on the clarification, Citius Mag founder Chris Chavez posted a crisp explanation on X. The post starts with a caption, “Unlike in Diamond League meetings, where Wavelight is used to set and maintain pace for runners, it will not be used as a direct aid to athletes in Apeldoorn. Instead, it will serve three key functions.” 

The three key functions as per the European Athletics are a different approach for the Championships: Event Presentation Tool, Guide Light in Heats, and ‘Invisible’ Record Light. Co-creator and operational director Bram Som explains all three points in detail, which are as follows:

1. Event Presentation Tool: Wavelight will be used to highlight key moments in the program, such as the introduction of star athletes and medal ceremonies. “We can use it for things like flag displays, color changes, and other visual effects that draw attention to important parts of the event,” as stated by Som.

1. Guide Light in Heats: In the 1500m and 3000m heats, Wavelight will act as a guide, providing a reference pace that remains the same across all heats. The system will switch on after the first third of the race and switch off before the final lap, offering spectators a clearer comparison of how different races unfold. Som has a small and crisp explanation of this point: “It’s about giving context; the guide light helps viewers see if one heat is faster than another.”

1. ‘Invisible’ Record Light: For the finals, Wavelight will display European, world, and championship records—but only when an athlete is within five meters of surpassing one. Though this point sounds fair, fans wanted to make this work for long-distance marathons and championships. Bram Som explained this by saying, “We don’t want to distract from the competition itself, but we do want to highlight when something extraordinary is happening.” He further added, “When you see that light appear, you know a record is within reach.”

Whether this technology will redefine the sport for the better—or push athletes away—remains a burning question. One thing is certain: the debate isn’t over. The question remains: Is Wavelight really a step forward, or is it an overstep?

Is it really a step forward for championship racing?

The 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn are set to make history—not just for the competition itself but for the bold introduction of Wavelight technology. European Athletics hails it as a breakthrough, a tool to enhance pacing and push athletes toward record-breaking performances. But as excitement builds, so does skepticism. Is this truly an innovation that elevates the sport, or is it a disruption to fair competition?

Noor Van der Lugt, director at TIG Sports & Events, stands by the move. “People know us from the Diamond League as a tool for pacemakers,” Som stated. He further added, “Now, we’re asking them to see it differently—as something that enriches the entire viewing experience,” emphasizing its potential to transform racing dynamics. European Athletics believes this technology will add a new layer of strategy, giving athletes real-time visual feedback to optimize their pace.

With past successes in pacing events, Wavelight is now being tested in the high-stakes environment of a championship meet. Despite the mixed reactions, anticipation remains high. Star athletes like Samuele Ceccarelli, defending champion in the men’s 60m, and Swiss sprinter Jason Joseph are expected to shine. Meanwhile, field events will see contenders like Pedro Pichardo aiming for dominance. But with Wavelight’s influence looming large, the question remains: will it help them break barriers or break the spirit of traditional racing?

Per Bram Som, Wavelight will provide a different viewing experience: “In the stadium, you see the lights moving around the track in real time, and that gives a real sense of engagement,” he said. And track and field fans can also have a great experience sitting at home in their drawing room. He stated, “For TV, it depends on how the broadcasters integrate it into their coverage.”

For now, the 2025 European Indoors will be the ultimate testing ground and is scheduled for March 6 to 9. If Wavelight proves its worth, it could reshape the sport’s future. If not, it may serve as a cautionary tale of innovation gone too far.