USA Track & Field (USATF) has announced that it will not be sending a team to the World Athletics U20 Championships – Peru 2024, scheduled to be held in Lima, Peru, from August 26-31. This decision comes after careful consideration of various factors, including safety concerns, the timing of the event, and the competitive readiness of athletes.
The decision, according to USATF in a statement, was made after months of deliberation, taking into account advisories from the US State Department regarding civil unrest in the area, as well as the safety and well-being of athletes, coaches, managers, and staff.
Safety First: USATF Decides Against Sending Team to Peru 2024 for U20 Championships
“The safety and security of all involved are of paramount importance to us,” said USATF in a statement.
USATF also said the timing of the event poses challenges for many high school and college athletes, as it falls at the end of the summer period when many will have already returned to school or campuses for the upcoming academic year. Additionally, distance and cross-country athletes will be early in their seasons, limiting their availability for competition.
Despite the competitive opportunities provided by USATF’s programs, including the Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, scheduled for June 12-13, many athletes would lack adequate preparation time between the end of those championships and the start of the event in Peru.
“This situation would severely limit the competitive readiness for Team USA athletes for this World-level competition,” explained USATF.
While the decision may be disappointing for those who were looking forward to participating, USATF emphasized its responsibility to prioritize the safety and well-being of all involved.
“We appreciate your understanding and support in this matter,” concluded USATF.
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