📌 Snapshot
When the 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships begin in Apeldoorn, Netherlands on March 6, fans will witness a new technological feature alongside elite competition: Wavelight technology. This LED pacing system, previously used in Diamond League events, will make its championship debut—but not necessarily as a pacing tool for athletes but as a way to engage spectators, according to the organizers and the system’s creator.
While some celebrate Wavelight’s introduction as an innovation that enhances the fan experience, others argue that technology like this doesn’t belong in championship racing.
🔎 Key Facts
- What is Wavelight? A system of LED lights installed along the inner edge of the track, designed to indicate pacing and race dynamics.
- Why is it controversial? Some believe it could unintentionally influence race strategy and diminish the unpredictability of competition.
- How will it be used? Unlike its pacing role in the Diamond League, Wavelight in Apeldoorn will focus on event presentation, aiding in introductions, heat pacing guides, and record-attempt tracking.
- When will it appear? The lights will be visible during heats as a spectator guide and will only activate in finals if an athlete is within five meters of a record.
💬 Crucial Quote
“The technology allows spectators to better understand race dynamics by visually showing if an athlete is on pace, ahead, or behind.” — Bram Som, Wavelight co-creator and operational director
🌍 Big Picture
This isn’t the first time technology has reshaped athletics. In recent years, innovations like electronic pacemakers, super shoes, and even advanced track surfaces have altered the sport’s competitive landscape.
While some see these advancements as necessary evolutions, others argue they undermine the integrity of the competition. Wavelight sits at the center of this debate—supporters hail it as a fan-friendly enhancement, while critics fear it could impact competitive fairness.
📊 By the Numbers
- 200 – The number of LED lights installed on an indoor 200-meter track.
- 5 meters – The proximity at which Wavelight will appear in finals if a record is within reach.
- First – This marks the first time Wavelight will be used at a major European championship.
- 2019 – The year Wavelight was first widely adopted in elite competition.
- 1,500m & 3,000m – The distances where Wavelight will be most used during the event.
🔑 Key Background
Wavelight has gained prominence over the past few years, particularly in distance running, where it has been used to help runners maintain even pacing. Its introduction into track and field has been met with mixed reactions:
Notable Races That Used Wavelight Technology:
- Joshua Cheptegei’s 10,000m World Record: On Oct. 7, 2020, in Valencia, Spain, Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei set a new world record in the 10,000 meters with a time of 26:11, aided by Wavelight technology.
- Letesenbet Gidey’s 5,000m World Record: At the same event, Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey broke the women’s 5,000m world record, finishing in 14:06.62, with the assistance of Wavelight pacing.
- Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s Indoor Mile World Record: On Feb. 13, at the indoor meet in France, Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen clocked 3:45.14 in the indoor mile, crushing the previous record, with Wavelight technology guiding his pace.
Advocates argue:
- Wavelight enhances fan engagement, making races easier to follow.
- It highlights key moments like record attempts and draws us to watch.
- It provides valuable pacing data for spectators without directly influencing race tactics.
Critics argue:
- The lights, even if meant for fans, may still affect athlete strategy.
- It could disrupt traditional racing tactics, removing the spontaneity of race moves.
- It risks shifting the focus from head-to-head racing to purely time trialing and chasing records.
🔮 What’s Next
With Wavelight set to make its championship debut, the 2025 European Indoor Championships will serve as a test case for future events. If well received, it could lead to wider adoption in major competitions, potentially including the Olympic Games.
However, if backlash from athletes, coaches, or fans is significant, governing bodies like World Athletics may need to reconsider its use beyond exhibition or pacing-focused events.
👀 Worth Watching
- Athlete reactions – Will top competitors support Wavelight’s inclusion, or will they push back against it?
- Fan engagement – Does the use of LED pacing enhance the viewing experience in a meaningful way?
- Potential rule changes – Could this technology be regulated or restricted in future championships?
- The Olympic implications – If successful, could we see Wavelight in 2028 in Los Angeles?
