An absolute head loss
Police were called to the Athletics World Championships being held at Hayward Field, Eugene in the USA following reports that the event’s mascot, Legend the Bigfoot, had his head stolen.
Legend – whose character is based on the mythical creature – has been a key figure at the event to help entertain the crowd with dance moves, acrobatics and even floating on a rubber ring in the steeplechase water jump.
Who doesn't love a furry sports mascot?!
"Legend the Bigfoot" at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon has nailed it!#BBCAthletics
pic.twitter.com/CtwfaNKFfE
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 16, 2022
But fans noticed that the mascot was forced to use a replacement head after it had been confirmed that his head had been stolen. Videos and photographs across social media showed people messing around with Legend’s head in their possession.
A statement from an Oregon spokesperson confirmed that CCTV footage had helped to find the culprit and that an accredited photographer was removed from the event as a result.
They said: “We can confirm that an accredited photographer was removed from Hayward Field in connection to the investigation of a theft at the venue.
“This is now a police matter, and we won’t have further comments at this time.”
It's HOT at Hayward today. Highs of 32 C/ 90 F
Legend (the bigfoot) and @WCHoregon22 mascot is making the most of the warm weather…#WCHOregon22 pic.twitter.com/k7zU9DULBJ
— Canadian Running (@CanadianRunning) July 20, 2022
Attendances have been an issue at the event
There was almost disaster at the previous day of the event during the 3000m steeplechase final as competitors had to be split in half as a stray cameraman stood in lane two, halfway down the home straight during the opening lap.
Just a cameraman casually shooting in the middle of the track during the 3000m steeplechase final
#WCHOregon22 #WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/3jNgMqGkyR
— Krishna Kumar (@KrishnaFootball) July 19, 2022
Several athletes meanwhile were forced to pull out of the competition due to varying issues around their visas, preventing them from entering America.
Attendances have also been an issue too, with plenty of empty seats visible in the stands at every session despite Hayward Field holding less than 13,000 people.
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