Here is some preliminary information from the survey (as of yesterday, March 12). These figures and percentages are subject to change once all responses are verified and collated.
Total number of survey responses: 1,357
Total number by type of respondent
Current athlete: 656 (48.3%)
Coach: 166 (12.2%)
Official: 204 (15.0%)
Administrator: 44 (3.2%)
Media: 33 (2.4%)
Fan: 130 (9.6%)
Other: 124 (9.1%)
Total number for each IAAF area
Asia (AAA): 38 (2.8%)
Africa (CAA): 32(2.4%)
South America (CONSUDATLE): 59 (4.3%)
Europe (EAA): 734 (54.1%)
North America / Central America and the Caribbean (NACAC): 274 (20.2%)
Oceania (OAA): 136 (10.0%)
Other / not stated: 85 (6.3%)
Total number of countries with at least one respondent: 70
Responses to English survey: 1,014 (74.7%)
Responses to Spanish survey: 343 (25.3%)
The survey was released on February 19th via direct email invitations and social media. The response so far has been encouraging with individuals from all six IAAF areas providing input. As the above figures suggest, more input from three Areas (Africa, Asia, and South America) would ensure that the responses are representative of the worldwide appeal and participation in Race Walking. In order to encourage greater participation, we have translated the complete survey into Spanish and released that version of the survey on March 10th. In addition, the English version of the survey invite respondents to complete the open-ended responses - comments in the language of their choosing. Readers are requested to circulate the links to the survey to their contacts who may not yet have received it, and encourage widespread participation.
We are interested not only in the opinions of those currently directly involved in Race Walking (such as athletes, coaches, judges, officials, etc.), but also those with an interest in the sport of Athletics who have a different focus (e.g., members of other IAAF and Area Committees and Commissions, national federations, meet promoters - race organizers, athlete agents, media / journalists, sponsors, sport scientists, athletics fans, etc.) We welcome all constructive suggestions and ideas. This will ensure that we consider all perspectives. All individual responses will be treated in confidence. Responses will be collated and analyzed with a view to presenting a summary of the results at the Race Walking seminar that is scheduled to take place in Taicang at the IAAF World Race Walking Team Championships on May 4th. The intent is to also disseminate the summary results via other means (the nature of which is to be determined by the Race Walking Committee at its meeting in early May) to those unable to attend the seminar.
The links to the survey are:
Thank you to all who have taken the time to respond and share the links to the survey with others. There is still time for those who have not yet provided input to have their voice heard. The deadline for submitting responses is March 18th.
Dr. Tim Berrett
Member, IAAF Race Walking Committee