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The Lausanne Meeting finds itself at a pivotal moment in its history—much like a bend on a track that must be negotiated with precision to maintain speed and fluidity. It’s no secret: a transition of internal responsibilities is on the horizon as Athletissima approaches its 50th edition. Structural reflections, led by Jacky Delapierre and Julien Carrel, aim to secure the future of a competition that has long been a fixture on the international athletics map—and intends to remain so.
One of the key challenges already underway is the long-term sustainability of the Meeting. The transfer of knowledge between Executive Director Jacky Delapierre and Operational Director Julien Carrel is being paired with an ongoing professionalization of the overall structure.
In an ever-evolving world of sports events, the Lausanne Meeting has no intention of resting on its laurels. Athletissima faces increasing competition from a growing number of sport-spectacle events that are constantly reinventing themselves. The challenge is to meet the expectations of partners, spectators, and the broader public, while keeping pace with changing patterns of media consumption and entertainment.
New players are entering an already competitive field. Saudi Arabia, for instance, has launched the LIV Golf circuitand the 6 Kings Slam tennis exhibition—events backed by significant financial resources and fresh formats.
In athletics, the emergence of Grand Slam Track, a professional league founded by American sprint legend Michael Johnson, will see its first meet in Kingston, Jamaica in early April. In the face of such newcomers, Athletissima can count on its strong foothold in the Diamond League circuit. “It’s a competition that guarantees quality, backed by a strong and reliable structure, in which Athletissima holds a key position,” says Julien Carrel, the event’s operational director.
Retaining loyal fans while attracting new audiences: these are the critical ingredients for ensuring the future of the Meeting, especially in the lead-up to its milestone 50th edition on August 20. The future of Athletissima is also tied to its broader commitments to sustainability, youth outreach, and inclusive events like the City Event, which brings athletics directly to the public. Offering free access to top-level sport remains a cornerstone—but so does the need to reinvent the experience every year.
This constant self-reflection and renewal is essential for passing this historic milestone with confidence and clarity. The Lausanne Meeting strives to remain at the forefront of world athletics while staying rooted in its core values, family spirit, and the dedication of its volunteers. At the same time, it aims to strengthen and expand its impact in an increasingly professional and competitive environment.