Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Bolt shocked by Jamaica's abstention in IAAF reform vote

KINGSTON (Reuters) - Usain Bolt has said he was shocked by the decision of Jamaica's athletics federation to abstain from an IAAF vote on a sweeping reform package at the governing body of world athletics.

Bolt shocked by Jamaica's abstention in IAAF reform vote
(Reuters)

The reforms, aimed at changing how the IAAF operates, were overwhelmingly passed at a special Congress in Monaco on Saturday, after members voted 182 to 10 in favour.

“I was very shocked I actually learned about that today,” Bolt told Reuters on Tuesday at the Caribbean premiere of the film "I Am Bolt" in Kingston.

"I find it ridiculous and funny at the same time to know that the IAAF is trying to take big steps like this to make the sport better and we (Jamaica) are doing so very well in the sports, why would we not support it in going in the right direction?

"So it was kind of a let down to know that the JAAA (Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association) did not support it," added the nine-times Olympic gold medallist and double sprint world record holder.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

The "Time for Change" proposals, the centrepiece of IAAF President Sebastian Coe's agenda for moving the sport forward from its tainted past, established new independent anti-doping, integrity and disciplinary functions along with a greater voice for athletes in the organisation and more gender balance.

The reforms also placed more governance power in the hands of the IAAF Executive Board.

“I think people should respect the right of every federation to look at the package and do what they think is best,” JAAA President Warren Blake told Reuters when asked whether he regretted not casting a ballot.

“A lot of people have criticised us for not voting but I would say to the people go and look at the constitution and exactly what the changes were."

(Editing by Toby Davis)


2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world