What has happened?

We are expressing our concern and discontent over the complete removal of Combined Events from the 2024 UK Athletics Championships. This exclusion denies athletes in this category the opportunity to compete for a UK medal. Furthermore, combined events athletes have been consistently subjected to mistreatment by UK Athletics (UKA).

In 2023:

1. Lack of prior notification about the removal of combined events from the main UK Championships 2023.
2. Absence of an explanation for this decision, hindering our ability to respond effectively.
3. A last-minute substitute event with inadequate advertising, promotion, and preparation time.
4. Spectators forced to leave the indoor event prematurely, affecting performances.
5. Unfair blame on athletes for poor outcomes, disregarding the adverse circumstances.

This uncertainty disrupts our training preparation and ability to perform, especially considering the limited opportunities we have to compete each year.

What do we want?

We call for:

1. Acknowledgment from UKA that the treatment of combined events athletes has been disrespectful.
2. Commitment to include combined events in the UK Championships in 2024 or host an appropriate alternative event with equal planning and promotion.
3. Clear and transparent qualification standards for combined events.

Why should you care and support us?

1. Unique mistreatment: Combined events are the only discipline treated in this manner.
2. Rich history and talent: With athletes like KJT, Jessica Ennis, Daley Thompson, and others, combined events boast a history of excellence, especially on the women’s side. These athletes are some of the biggest household names in the UK for athletics and are huge adverts for the sport!
3. Consistent success: Over recent decades, combined events have secured medals more consistently than any other individual discipline; four of the last eight heptathlon world championships have been won by British athletes.
4. Contribution to the GB team: Many current GB team members began as combined eventers before specializing (e.g., Jazmin Sawyers, Morgan Lake).
5. Limited opportunities: Multi-event athletes have few chances to compete, making each opportunity crucial for development.
6. Development pathway: Recognizing the importance of a clear development pathway for combined events to ensure sustained excellence.

By signing this petition, you support the inclusion of combined events in the UK Athletics Championships and advocate for fair treatment and recognition of the discipline's importance in the athletic community.