“I Hate It”: ‘Disgusted’ Track and Field Star Heavily Criticizes Sport Over World Indoor Championship Withdrawal

The sport of track and field has often led to ruffled feathers and unassuaged egos. From issues such as doping to professional rivalries thrown into the mix, it might seem like the easiest recourse to place blame. But one should never overlook the bounties of unparalleled glory the tracks have to offer to its seasoned elites. Although, of late, the track realm provoked the ire of a Great Britain athlete despite his best foot forward.

The 31-year-old 800 m specialist famed for his 2023 European Indoor Championships and the 2022 World Indoor Championships, unfortunately, cannot replicate his past heroics in the upcoming stomping grounds of the World Indoor Championships, despite qualifying for it. Does this disconcerting move mean that his career is driven into the red, or is there still hope for the lanky Briton lad?

British Athletics causes track and field athlete Learmonth to vent in frustration

An accomplished 800m runner with a solid reputation in Scotland’s sporting circles, Guy Learmonth has seen both triumphs and setbacks in his career. However, he is experiencing a range of emotions. His recent removal from the Great Britain squad for the World Indoor Championships, which commence on Friday in Glasgow, tossed his indoor athletics career on home soil.

Learmonth remarks in an exclusive interview reflect the emotions of an athlete expressing, “Athletics has been such a huge part of my life – it was my absolute love and passion and it’s enabled me to buy a house, nice cars, travel the globe and make friends all over the world so on that front, it’s been amazing.” He continued, “But now, with how I’ve been treated, I feel like I hate it and I can’t wait to be done.” Having chalked it up to sub par decision-making processes and other nebulous bureaucratic lapses, what’s next in the offing for him?

 Guy Learmonth never backs down from a challenge

Learmonth’s chagrin knows no bounds, given the fact that he was the only one of the six athletes given invites to the Championships to be woefully excluded. He was benched by the governing body’s selection panel, despite his excellent record and his recent near-miss at the British Indoor Championships. He was left questioning the selection process’s objectivity. However, the choice was made based on variables that seemed arbitrary and imprecise.

Read More: ‘Completely Cheated’: British Athletes Express Frustration Over World Championship Selection

Learmonth claims, pointing out his reliable results in championship races yet being dumbfounded at the decision. He expressed, “Yes, the British Championships didn’t go how I wanted after being so ill the week before but my record shows what I can do. I’ve made finals so many times, including finishing top-6 at European Indoors last year and the Commonwealth Games the year before.”

In the face of hardships, Learmonth stays steadfast in his drive to challenge the status quo. ““British Athletics needs a complete overhaul” – he morally quips. Clinging on to this vestige of hope, Paris is on the vision board for the misunderstood track phenom.

Continue Reading: World Indoor Championship Update: Internet Pours Their 2 Cents as Ryan Crouser’s British Opponent Cries for Help