After initially announcing that it would not send a team to the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru in August, the United States Track and Field (USATF) has reversed its decision and will indeed participate in the event. This change comes just a month after USATF decided not to participate due to various concerns, including travel advisories and competitive readiness.
The USATF consulted with World Athletics and the World U20 Championships Local Organizing Committee in Lima and received assurances that safety measures would be in place for the event. With this information, USATF has decided to proceed with sending a team to represent Team USA at the Championships taking place August 26-31, 2024, in Lima, Peru.
The safety and well-being of USATF athletes, coaches, managers, and staff remain a top priority for the organization. USATF is committed to providing athletes with high-level competitive opportunities as they strive for success. The full team announcement will be made after the USATF Under-20 Championships, scheduled for June 12-13, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon.
In 2021, Team USA withdrew from the World U20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya due to safety concerns and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this year’s decision marks a return to international competition for young American track and field athletes. The United States is also set to host the 2026 World U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon at Hayward Field.
