IAAF Reconsiders Morning Finals

The International Amateur Athletic Federation reportedly is studying a revised track and field timetable for the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea.

The Seoul organizers are eager to ensure maximum revenue from the sale of American television rights by holding some track finals in the morning, during peak viewing time in the United States.

The IAAF initially rejected such a proposal, saying that it preferred to stick to the traditional afternoon and evening schedule. But the governing body of the world track and field subsequently agreed to set up a special study group to look at the question again.

IAAF sources attending a meeting of the executive board of the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne, Switzerland, said the study group would recommend one track and field session a day in Seoul, possibly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. local time.

The single daily session would mean some finals could be held sufficiently early in the day, possibly between 10 a.m. and noon to influence the bidding by the major U.S. television networks. South Korea is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.