{"id":1797,"date":"2021-03-25T05:44:16","date_gmt":"2021-03-25T05:44:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zurich.diamondleague.com\/2021\/03\/25\/optimism-flexibility-and-innovative-energy-for-the-future\/"},"modified":"2021-03-25T05:44:16","modified_gmt":"2021-03-25T05:44:16","slug":"optimism-flexibility-and-innovative-energy-for-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zurich.diamondleague.com\/en\/optimism-flexibility-and-innovative-energy-for-the-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Optimism, Flexibility and Innovative Energy for the Future"},"content":{"rendered":"

Weltklasse Z\u00fcrich used the past twelve months to fill the void left by the pandemic with new, inspiring ideas and initiatives. Now, the promoters are, once again, facing some tough challenges with regard to the Wanda Diamond League finals scheduled for 8 and 9 September. Being Weltklasse Z\u00fcrich, the team intends to tackle any obstacle ahead and to navigate the journey through the unknown by setting course for the future. In a conversation with the meeting\u2019s Head of Media Relations and Communications Andreas Cueni, the two Co-Meeting Directors Andreas Hediger and Christoph Joho discuss the most urgent questions for Weltklasse Z\u00fcrich 2021 (in Swiss German).<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Weltklasse Z\u00fcrich<\/a> \u00b7 Weltklasse Z\u00fcrich 2021 | Andreas Hediger & Christoph Joho im Interview<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Weltklasse Z\u00fcrich<\/a> \u00b7 Interview Co-Meeting-Direktoren<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

These are trying \u2013 and intriguing \u2013 times. The Coronavirus pandemic maintains its firm grip on the world, while Weltklasse Z\u00fcrich is preparing for an event that, in this form, is unprecedented: For the first time, all Wanda Diamond League<\/a> final events will take place in Zurich. The occasion will mark the conclusion of this year\u2019s Olympic season. There will be as many as 32 events and two venues \u2013 the famous Sechsel\u00e4utenplatz and the legendary Letzigrund Stadium. And, of course, there will be world\u2019s most expert fans, the unique atmosphere, and emotional images that will travel around the globe. Exciting prospects!   <\/p>\n

Being flexible, staying calm<\/strong>
So much for the dream. \u201cThe reality is that we are working with several potential scenarios,\u201d emphasises Christoph Joho, pointing to an approach promoters of major events all over the world are forced to take these days. He hopes that things will be back to normal by September, but several questions remain: How many visitors will be allowed in the stadium? What will the required safety plan look like? Until such aspects can be finalised, any announcements, with regard to the ticket sale, for instance, have to wait.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe might be able to see where things are going by June. Meanwhile we are in close contact with authorities, organisations, such as the Diamond League, SPONSORING SCHWEIZ, Swiss Top Events, and other major events in Switzerland,\u201d says Christoph Joho. The current uncertainties require everyone to be very flexible \u2013 and to stay calm. An unfamiliar starting position: \u201cIn the past, we always had a plan and followed it. We did things as early as possible, sometimes we may have almost overorganised things,\u201d Joho admits. \u201cNow, we have to start at the other end, leave things as late as possible and be as flexible as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Diamond League not endangered<\/strong>
A similar approach will have to be applied by all Diamond League meetings and thus for the \u201croad to Zurich\u201d, so to speak. The most prestigious athletics series currently includes 14 meetings on four continents. Zurich is the first sole host for the season final in 2021 and 2022. \u201cAt this time, all promoters work under the assumption that they will be able to stage their meetings, but things could change within weeks,\u201d explains Christoph Joho, pointing to the challenges on a global level. But even the cancellation of some individual meetings will not endanger the series as such. \u201cI am convinced that we will be able to organise wonderful final events for which athletes will have the opportunity to qualify in a fair way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Three Sechsel\u00e4utenplatz scenarios<\/strong>
The preferred scenario for the two-day event in Zurich is the following: On Wednesday, 8 September, Zurich brings out the longest ever red carpet for Diamond League finalists. Our partner Conica<\/a> will install a 560m track around the Zurich Opera House and across Sechsel\u00e4utenplatz, setting a novel yet worthy stage for the men\u2019s and women\u2019s 5000m final races. The women\u2019s high jump and both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s high jump and shotput finals will be held on three platforms. Restrictions permitting, the stands surrounding these platforms will include both seats and several standing areas.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will present seven final events in the city centre. Our goal is to reach all residents, including those who might not come to the stadium to attend competitions,\u201d says Andreas Hediger, who is responsible for all technical aspects of the event. With the unique setting on Lake Zurich, the promoters would like to create an opportunity to see the stars and watch the action from up close. Should that not be possible, there is a scenario with seating areas only, and also one in which there are no spectators at all. The latter, according to Hediger, would not make much sense, however. \u201cWe stage competitions on Sechsel\u00e4utenplatz for the benefit of a live audience, after all.\u201d Thus, an alternative plan for the seven events in question would have to be considered if no spectators are allowed.<\/p>\n

Two finals at Letzigrund Stadium<\/strong>
As for ideal scenarios: On Thursday, 9 September, there will be no less than 25 Diamond Trophies up for grabs. For the first time, a full programme of events, including races from 100m to 3000m SC, vertical and horizontal jumps, as well as javelin and discus throws. The night will treat fans to an athletics spectacle (which will be broadcast live during three hours) and to a cast of more national and international stars than ever before. \u201cIt will truly be Olympic Games in one night,\u201d Andreas Hediger promises.<\/p>\n

But even when the last Diamond League final competition is completed, the Weltklasse Z\u00fcrich week continues: On Saturday, 11 September, Letzigrund Stadium hosts yet another grand finale \u2013 the national final of the UBS Kids Cup. Inspired by their idols, Switzerland\u2019s most talented seven- to fifteen-year-olds get ready to compete in events involving the three fundamental movements \u2013 running, jumping, and throwing.<\/p>\n

Playing an important role beyond athletics<\/strong>
The UBS Kids Cup<\/a>, Switzerland\u2019s largest project for young athletes, is exemplary of Weltklasse Z\u00fcrich\u2019s philosophy. \u201cWe would like to inspire people, show new approaches, develop new ideas,\u201d explains Christoph Joho, outlining the meeting\u2019s role in a framework that includes partners, fans, and families. To give an example: \u201cWhen the indoor season of the popular competition series fell victim to Covid 19 restrictions, we tried to figure out a way to motivate kids for lockdown games, sports, and activities.\u201d In February, numerous families were provided with free activity boxes, tips for exercises, and some valuable digital support from various Swiss athletics stars.\u2019.<\/p>\n

A new instalment of the Inspiration Series<\/strong>
\u201eBurying our heads in the sand would just not be a very Weltklasse thing to do,\u201d says Joho when reflecting on the Weltklasse Z\u00fcrich mindset. On the contrary: Inspiring others instead of giving up is the motto of the Inspiration Series, an initiative the meeting launched together with partners a year ago. It sent almost 100 000 Swiss residents on a OneMillionRun.<\/p>\n

The Inspiration Games, held in seven arenas and six countries, then served as a starting gun for the global athletics outdoor season. And they showed what is possible, even in difficult conditions. \u201cThis provided us with enough energy for whatever happens. Maybe this will be another difficult year, but we have to invest now, so that we are ready in 2022, 2023, 2024…,\u201d Christoph Joho emphasises. He knows he can count on a highly motivated team.<\/p>\n

Pioneering projects for coaches and athletes<\/strong>
The Inspiration Series also promotes and shapes the everyday work of athletes and coaches. A recently established innovation cell at the OYM<\/a> in Cham, for instance, enables top athletes of the Zurich athletics club to train in state-of-the-art conditions and on the basis of the latest scientific findings. For coaches, various initiatives aimed at producing more high-level athletics coaches in Switzerland have been launched. \u201cWe are preparing and positioning ourselves for the future. There are several new projects we are working on,\u201d promises Andreas Hediger. Weltklasse Z\u00fcrich, as always, tries to be one step ahead \u2013 on and off the \u201croad to Zurich\u201d.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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