The future of track and field may be hanging by a thread. Surprised? Don’t be—it’s not just speculation, it’s what the numbers are saying. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), participation in track and field rose by nearly 7% between 2023 and 2024. Sounds promising, right? But here’s the catch: aside from stars like Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles, very few athletes have reaped the benefits. The data exposes a harsh truth: while interest is growing, the spotlight still shines on only a select few.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the data. The NCAA’s data dashboard showcases some interesting parameters related to every athlete’s NIL transactions. For those unaware, NIL transactions refer to deals where athletes earn money by using their Name, Image, or Likeness. W

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