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Records are made to be broken. But in track and field, where major records have stood for decades since before drug testing began, a drought of record-breaking performances is crippling athletes.  “When you don’t have world records, you don’t have headlines,” said Dave Johnson, longtime meet director of the Penn Relays. “You don’t have stories.” When you don’t have stories, you don’t have the public’s attention, and you don’t have money. “It definitely costs an athlete financially,” said Jo Ankier, the former British record-holder in the 3,000-meter steeplechase who is now a commentator for ESPN International. “Endorsements, appearance fees. Plus, every contract has a bonus for a world record, but no one’s touching those.”

Records are made to be broken. But in track and field, where major records have stood for decades since before drug testing began, a drought of record-breaking performances is crippling athletes. 

“When you don’t have world records, you don’t have headlines,” said Dave Johnson, longtime meet director of the Penn Relays. “You don’t have stories.”

When you don’t have stories, you don’t have the public’s attention, and you don’t have money.

“It definitely costs an athlete financially,” said Jo Ankier, the former British record-holder in the 3,000-meter steeplechase who is now a commentator for ESPN International. “Endorsements, appearance fees. Plus, every contract has a bonus for a world record, but no one’s touching those.”

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