This archive report was first published on 23 August 2021.
Published on August 23, 2021, the World Athletics U-20 Championships in Nairobi have etched their place in history with a remarkable performance.
Between August 17 and 22, the championships witnessed four world U-20 records, 15 championship records, 11 area U-20 records, 68 national U-20 records, and 10 national senior records.
The event concluded on a high note on Sunday, August 22, as the Jamaican women and the South African men shattered world U20 records in the 4x100m relays, adding to the two world U20 records set by France's Sasha Zhoya in the men's 110m hurdles.
Kenya emerged as the top-performing team, securing eight gold, one silver, and seven bronze medals, ahead of Finland, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Jamaica.
From over 100 participating countries, 18 teams won gold medals, 35 teams won medals, and 63 teams achieved top eight finishes.
Kenya, Finland, Nigeria, and Botswana recorded their best-ever world U20 championships, while Namibia and Israel secured their first gold medals, and Cyprus won its first medal.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised the athletes, teams, and organizers for their dedication and determination in making the event a success despite the logistical challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘These championships have not just taken place, they have been highly successful. We have all been so impressed with the range and depth of talent we have seen from these young athletes,' Coe said.
