After two weeks of glamour at the Tokyo Olympic Games, focus has now shifted to Nairobi, Kenya, venue of the 2021 World Athletics U-20 Championships.
The World Athletics U-20 Championships have been awarded to an African country for the first time.
Over 1,300 athletes from 128 countries are expected to compete in Kenya this August. The competition has found many great stars from various nations over the years, as young Gen Z athletes compete on the world stage often for the very first time.
It was originally meant to run from August 17th to 22nd, but has now been pushed back by a day to start from the 18th.
Part of the statement from World Athletics read, ‘the impact of Covid on teams travelling and logistics of moving vital equipment around the world have proven to be a challenge.’
Due to a recent surge in Covid-19 infections, some major countries like the UK and US have withdrawn from the championships for safety reasons.
The event will be held behind closed doors and spectator-free to keep the athletes and the country safe.
To control the spread of the virus, local organizers have built two ‘bubbles’ in Kasarani and Nyayo. Ten hotel bubbles for teams, officials, and suppliers will also be used.
According to reports, the projected number of Covid tests for this coming event is more than 15,000.
Many of the protocols being introduced for these championships have already been successful at the World Half Marathon Championships in Gdynia last year and the World Athletics Relays in Silesia in May.
Opportunities for the future athletic stars in the world
The World Athletics U-20 Championships brings opportunities to showcase the very best of the world’s talented young athletes.
In the past, few African countries have participated, making this year a significant boost for nations that usually miss out on the spotlight.
Kenya’s First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said, ‘such events elevate the importance of sports to young talented sportsmen and women.’
She added, ‘games bring people together; they bring hope since they are a symbol of what can be achieved even in the most difficult situations and encourage youths to represent their countries in honor.’ The Kenyan First Lady is also the patron of this year’s event.
World Athletics having confirmed that athletes need to be born between 2002 and 2005. If that sends you into an existential crisis about your own achievements thus far in life, you’re not alone.
During the last edition held in Tampere, Finland in 2018, Kenya bagged a total of 11 medals, making it Africa’s current athletics powerhouse from junior to senior category championships.
African participating countries have shown confidence in their athletes and most countries have increased the number of athletes representing their nations recently. We’ll have to see if it pays off.
I’m Derrick (He/Him), a Journalism and Mass Communication graduate from the Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya. Currently I write about trending topics and major issues affecting Africa for Thred, specifically concerning SDGs. View my Twitter here if you’d like to send me feedback.
The UK government has said it will build a new Sizewell C nuclear plant on the Suffolk coast, pumping a considerable amount of cash into the project to get it off the ground.
A fresh commitment to nuclear power has been announced by the UK government ahead of its ‘Spending Review’ later this week.
According to a report by the BBC, over £14 billion will be pumped into the...
Over the last week, a public spat has caused seemingly irreparable damage to the relationship of arguably America’s two most powerful men. Beyond dented egos, what are we dealing with here?
No more octagon-side dates at the UFC for these two former chums then.
As quickly as the unnerving affinity grew between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, it has ended unceremoniously and likely irreparably. But how did the Tesla boss go...
Following the recent attack in Colorado, Trump has banned 12 countries from entering the US citing terrorist activity and strengthening national security.
In yet another effort to limit immigration to the US, President Donald Trump banned 12 countries from entering the nation. This isn’t the first time he’s attempted such bans; in fact, this recent order is an expansion from another he implemented during his first term.
In 2017, Trump barred...
The order to rename a Navy ship honouring gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk has sparked outrage, underscoring political tensions over LGBTQ+ representation during Pride Month.
It’s only been six months since the Trump Administration took office, and we’ve witnessed an endless list of contentious decisions.
Just a few days ago, the US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued an order for the renaming of multiple Navy ships. One of those ships was...
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
0 comments
