So how do you engage a larger audience, live or tv without diminishing the ability of athletes to perform? People outside T & F feel no connection to what these athletes do, whereas sports like tennis and golf are played in large numbers because they can play at a social level. No connection = no interest.
Events like Olympic and WC get a connection because of the top level performances. As mentioned here you can only have athletes perform at their top on a limited number of occasions in a season.
So how else? More nationality, regional or team based competition? Give people a reason to watch and cheer even when a WR is not on the cards. I see Ath Australia is trying this line with an Aust v Britain test. The state team comps have not had much public success here, but I think that is partially a lack of marketing.
Precisely my point on the last post. A press liason officer needs to write up the events to put them in context. The press itself can never do this alone. How fast is fast? How fast can the average person go? How far behind Bolt would they be in 100m? etc