Athletics Champs Coming to U.S. in 2021

(ATR)The world athletics championships are headed to the United States for the first time.

In an unexpected move, the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) council awarded the sport’s showcase event to Eugene, Oregon for 2021, averting the traditional bidding process.

The northwestern U.S. city came up short in its bid to attain the 2019 championships in November, losing to Doha, Qatar, 15-12, in the final round of voting. However, Eugene officials continued to lobby the IAAF with a revised proposal.

Eugene is steeped in tradition, having hosted numerous U.S. national championships, annual Diamond League events and was home to the 2014 world junior track and field championships.

The surprise announcement came on Thursday as the IAAF council convenes in Beijing, host of the 2015 world championships this August.

In a statement, IAAF president Lamine Diack said the decision was taken in the global interest of the sport.

"In granting the championships to Eugene, the IAAF Council have made a clear choice on a strategic decision that enables us to take advantage of a unique opportunity that may never arise again.

"It will see public authorities, the private sector, the national Olympic Committee, NBC and a particularly enthusiastic public joining forces."

The leader of Eugene’s bid effort, Vin Lananna, said that the U.S. city will meet its promises to the IAAF.

"We promise to deliver an outstanding championships for the sport of track and field in America and around the world," Lananna told the Associated Press.

The city of Eugene, with a population of 160,000, has close ties with sports brand Nike, has hosted the famed Prefontaine Classic since 1973 and is nicknamed Track Town, USA.

Constructed nearly 100 years ago, venerable Hayward Field is the home of the NCAA’s Oregon Ducks’ track and field program. The historic venue has produced numerous world records and is considered one of the world’s fastest

tracks.

The IAAF has bypassed the traditional bidding process previously, most recently awarding the 2007 world championships to Osaka, Japan.

Written by Brian Pinelli

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