This archive report was first published on 24 August 2021.
On August 22, 2021, the World Athletics Under-20 Championships concluded in Nairobi, Kenya, amidst a COVID-19 pandemic. The event was marked by a significant absence of fans due to restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the virus.
Unlike the 2017 World Under-18 Championships, which was held to capacity, the 2021 event was characterized by quiet and brief opening and closing ceremonies. However, the competition on the track and field was thrilling and captivating.
Kenya emerged as the overall team title winner, clinching 16 medals. The country's athletes also broke 4 world records, including Sasha Zhoya's 110m hurdles record with a time of 12.72 seconds.
The event saw a total of 259 personal best times, with 19,000 COVID tests conducted during the entire event. The tests included 5,000 LAMP tests, 4,000 PCR tests, and 10,000 antigen tests.
Here are some key statistics from the event:
- 16: The number of medals Kenya won to clinch the overall team title.
- 4: The number of Under-20 World Records broken.
- 68: The number of national U20 records broken.
- 259: The number of personal best times run.
- 19,000: The number of COVID tests undertaken during the entire event.
