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Lausanne celebrated track and field and physical activity in Ouchy. Launched on Saturday, August 15, the Athletissima Track Festival was a huge hit with the public. Nearly 3,000 people took part in the more than 15 free activities offered to residents of the region.
More than 1,000 people took part in the “Challenge,” a 150-meter course along the lake. Participants of all ages, families, and about fifteen school classes from the canton of Vaud took part. Several athletes, including pole vaulters Sam Kendricks and Kurtis Marshall, also joined this fun run open to everyone, held in a festive and friendly atmosphere with the goal of getting people active. A professional starting block allowed participants to test their reaction time and compare it to that of 100-meter-hurdles world champion Ditaji Kambundji.
The Swiss athlete was among the fifteen or so athletes who participated in activities with the young people. One such event was “Kids Training,” which brought together 200 children at the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise to try their hand at various sports, under the guidance of Swiss and international stars such as Angelica Moser, Jason Joseph, and American 100-meter hurdler Alaysha Johnson.
“We’re lucky to have a meet of this caliber in Lausanne, and the idea is to give the public and these young people the chance to experience Athletissima in a different way,” Julien Carrel summarized in an interview with RTS.
Just before getting the chance to watch the world’s best pole vaulters—including Mondo Duplantis—up close and for free, dozens of children had the opportunity to meet three Swiss champions—Audrey Werro, Ditaji Kambundji, and Ajla Del Ponte—during the highly anticipated “Meet the Stars” event.
Watch the report from RTS’s 12:45 p.m. newscast: https://www.rts.ch/play/tv/12h45/video/12h45?urn=urn:rts:video:5b1ee561-31cd-3b83-8325-6edcf07e9b09