World Athletics president Sebastian Coe says the governing body will not “strangle innovation” amid continuing debate over the so-called “super shoe” that helped Sabastian Sawe become the first athlete to run a competitive marathon in under two hours.
The 31-year-old Kenyan made history at Sunday’s London Marathon, winning in 1:59:30 and breaking a barrier once considered impossible.
“I don’t think any society, civilisation or sector of the economy is well served by trying to strangle innovation,” Coe told BBC Sport Africa during a visit to Botswana ahead of the World Relays.
“The role of World Athletics is very clear — we want to enable innovation, but we also have a regulatory responsibility.”
Sawe, Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha — who also dipped under two hours while finishing 10 seconds behind — and women’s champion Tigst Assefa all wore the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 during the race.
Assefa also set a new women’s world record in London.
After the race, Sawe praised Adidas for producing what he described as the best shoes he has ever worn, highlighting their lightweight feel and stability.
The Adidas model is the first “super shoe” to weigh less than 100 grams, with the company claiming the technology improves running economy by 1.6%. The shoes retail for about $500 (£450), placing them beyond the reach of many runners.
Coe, however, insisted footwear is only one part of elite performance.
“Yes, shoes play a part, but not the biggest part,” he said.
“The biggest factors are the athlete’s mentality, physical ability, world-class coaching and the elite programmes federations now run to support athletes. All of that contributes to improved performances.”
Sawe cut more than two minutes off his previous personal best in London, crediting his improvement to high-altitude training of around 200 kilometres per week.
Advances in race fuelling also played a role. Reports say the Kenyan consumed 115 grams of carbohydrates per hour during the marathon after a pre-race breakfast of tea and two slices of bread with honey.
