The World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima from August 27-31 showcased the future of athletics with remarkable records and performances. Highlights included:

– **Record Performances:** 4 championship records were set along with 6 area U20 records; a total of 10 world-leading U20 performances, 71 national records, and 288 personal bests.
– **Top Nation:** The USA dominated with 16 medals (8 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze) ahead of Eugene, Oregon, hosting in 2026.
– **Noteworthy Achievements:** Ethiopia set two championship records: Medina Eisa (women’s 5000m) and Sembo Almayew (women’s 3000m steeplechase). Other records included Rayen Cherni (men’s 10,000m race walk) and Tomas Jarvinen (decathlon).
– **Medal Diversity:** 20 countries secured gold, with Thailand earning its first-ever championship medal courtesy of Puripol Boonson.

In addition to competitions, development initiatives flourished:
– **Athlete Zone:** Over 1,500 visitors engaged in educational and fun activities focusing on health, integrity, and social media branding.
– **Coaches’ Club:** This ongoing program allows coaches to learn from real-time championship experiences, with over 700 participants in online sessions.
– **Media Development Programme:** Young journalists from Latin America received mentorship and training, participating in journalism-related activities and gaining unique access to athlete stories.

The championships not only highlighted athletic prowess but also emphasized the importance of education and community in shaping the future of the sport.