The hope of World Athletics, the governing body for track and field, is that by holding its signature event in the United States, the biennial World Championships, the sport will gain a bigger foothold in a lucrative media market.
Statistically, more American high school kids take part in track and field than any other sport. And no country comes close when you look at medal tables from the Olympics and Worlds. Yet those same athletes who dominate global competitions have to spend the bulk of their careers overseas, where high-level meets and money are easier to find.