Dacres and Ricketts to be affected as discus and triple jump cut from 2020 DL calendar

Fedrick Dacres will likely not be able to add to his 2018 Diamond Trophy success next year after organizers announced that the discus throw has been removed from the 2020 calendar. The event is one of four disciplines which have been cut including the 3000 metres steeplechase, the 200 metres and the triple jump.

The changes also mean the likes of Shanieka Ricketts will not be able to defend her Diamond Trophy in the triple jump. Aisha Praught-Leer, Jamaica's Commonwealth Games 3,000 metres steeplechase champion, is one of the athletes who have so far reacted to the change saying on her twitter page: “Sacrificing events and popular ones featuring T&F's stars because the Diamond League wants to tighten production time is not the innovation we need. Athletes will lose careers over the implementation of this short-sighted idea”.

The IAAF has however said that both the 200m and the 3000m steeple chase will be included in 10 meetings (5 male and 5 female) in the 2020 Diamond League season. Two meetings will also feature discus and triple jump, but, none of the four disciplines will feature in the Diamond League final in 2020. The IAAF said they made the changes after an extensive survey.