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Due to a recent surge in Covid-19 infections, some major countries like the UK and US have withdrawn from the championships for safety reasons.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.
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