Netflix to release track and field documentary on world-class sprinters

Netflix is set to launch a new documentary series focused on 100m and 200m sprinters on the Diamond League circuit, featuring some of the world’s most renowned sprinters. According to The Daily Mail, the show will follow the journey of several elite sprinters like world champions Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley and Dina Asher-Smith, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their world of track and field.

The report says the filming for the documentary series is underway, with a camera crew capturing the thrilling moments of the Diamond League and Continental Tour season. The crew was present during the recently concluded London Diamond League, where Lyles ran a 200m world lead of 19.47, adding to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming series.

The concept of sports-themed documentaries has gained a lot of popularity, as seen with Netflix’s previous success with Drive To Survive, a captivating series centred around Formula One racing, the golf series Full Swing following golfers on the PGA and Break Point, a doc series that followed the top male and female players in professional tennis. The shows have resonated with existing fans and attracted new audiences to watch the sport. World Athletics has the same hope–that the upcoming series will spark more interest in the sport, outside of the Olympics and World Championships. 

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Although the title and release date of the docu-series are yet to be unveiled, World Athletics has confirmed the existence of the project. In a statement to Daily Mail Sport, the organization acknowledged the presence of documentary film crews following the sport and its athletes, but keeping the project under wraps for the time being.

Kerley, in particular, has been an advocate for the idea of a Netflix-style series for athletics. In an interview with BBC in May, he expressed his belief that the sport deserves more recognition and attention. Drawing parallels with F1, he emphasized that athletics, too, has events beyond the Olympic Games that could captivate audiences worldwide.