An Inside Look at FISO VM, Belgium, and the Future of Obstacle Racing

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In the heart of Belgium, the inaugural Federated International Sports Organization (FISO) OCR World Championships unfolded, marking a significant milestone in the world of obstacle racing. While Europe has hosted federated European Championships since 2016, it took seven additional years to witness the realization of the first federated World Championships. This event brought together athletes from across the globe, ready to tackle challenging courses and compete at the highest level. In this blog post, we delve into one participant's experience during the 3K race, exploring the highs, the hurdles, and the aspirations for the future.

FISO's Role in the Evolution of OCR:

The FISO VM event showcased the culmination of years of dedication to the sport of obstacle racing. With the 3K race as the spotlight, participants experienced a course filled with 23 obstacles sprawled across approximately 3.7 kilometers of rugged terrain. Let's take a closer look at the participant's perspective and what made the FISO VM stand out.

What I Loved:

1. Dynamic Course Design:The 3K course earned praise for its outstanding design, offering a perfect blend of challenging obstacles and strategic running sections. The balance between obstacles and running segments contributed to an exhilarating and well-rounded racing experience.
2. Multiple Lanes for Obstacles:A key highlight was the availability of multiple lanes for each obstacle. This not only reduced congestion but also provided athletes with the opportunity to choose the path that suited their strengths, adding an extra layer of strategy to the race.
3. Educated Judges and Clear Communication:The event boasted well-educated judges who communicated rulings effectively. To further improve the judging process, the participant suggests simplifying the rules for judges, ensuring clarity and consistency in decision-making.

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Things to Improve for 2024:

1. Simplified Obstacle Rulings:Advocating for clearer and simpler rulings on obstacles, the participant suggests implementing a standardized start and finish for each obstacle, such as starting at a designated line or mat and concluding by ringing a bell.
2. Athlete Seating Based on Skill Level:To enhance competition, the recommendation is to seat top athletes together based on skill level rather than nationality, fostering a more competitive and dynamic race environment.
3. Optimizing Obstacle Distribution in 15K:Addressing concerns about obstacle distribution in the 15K race, the participant suggests a more strategic placement of obstacles to ensure a balanced and challenging course.
4. Eliminate Appeal Process:Proposing the elimination of the appeal process, the participant advocates for empowering judges to make final decisions. This move aims to prevent discord among athletes and streamline the competition.
5. Transparent Prize Money Information:Transparency is key, and the participant urges organizers to be open and clear about prize money distribution, ensuring that athletes are well-informed about the rewards they are competing for.
6. Consistency in Rules:Emphasizing the importance of a stable rulebook, the suggestion is to avoid last-minute changes, providing athletes and teams with a stable framework to prepare for the competition.
7. Enhanced Drug Testing Protocols:While commending the adherence to WADA drug testing, the participant suggests implementing random tests for top finishers to further ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the sport.
8. Improved Live Stream Experience:Acknowledging the significance of live streaming, the participant recommends refining the live stream to enhance the viewer experience, making it more accessible and engaging for a global audience.

Conclusion:

The FISO VM in Belgium marked a historic moment in obstacle racing, bringing athletes from around the world to showcase their skills on a challenging and thrilling course. As the sport continues to evolve, the participant's insights provide valuable recommendations for refining the OCR World Championships, ensuring that future events uphold the spirit of competition and push the boundaries of what obstacle racing can achieve on the world stage.

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