The World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima from August 27 to 31 showcased a promising future for athletics, both competitively and developmentally, with notable achievements including:
– **Championship Records:** Four new championship records and six area U20 records were established.
– **Leading Performances:** Ten world U20-leading performances, 71 national records, and 288 personal bests were recorded.
– **Medals:** The USA topped the medal count with 16 medals (8 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze), ahead of Ethiopia, which set two championship records.
– **Firsts:** Thailand claimed its first-ever medal with silver in the men’s 100m, alongside a bronze in the 4x100m relay.
**Development Initiatives:**
– **Athlete Zone:** A dedicated space for athletes to learn about health, safeguarding, social media, and branding, attracting over 1,500 visitors.
– **Coaches’ Club:** A platform for coaches to gain insights from the championships, featuring over 700 online registrants and 300 symposium attendees, focusing on athlete-coach dynamics and developmental research.
– **Media Development:** Twelve Latin American journalists participated in programs to enhance skills in sports journalism, covering various aspects from writing to broadcasting, under the mentorship of industry professionals.
Overall, Lima 24 emphasized not only athletic competition but also the holistic development of athletes, coaches, and media personnel, ensuring a bright future for the sport.