The World Under-20 Championships were scheduled to be held in Lima from August 26 to 31, 2024. The withdrawal of Lima as the host city means that WA is now in discussions with a replacement host for the event. In a statement, WA thanked the Peruvian Federation and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the time and effort they had already dedicated to the event and their ongoing commitment to global athletics.
World Athletics said that it was committed to holding a successful event next year despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The governing body is already in discussion with potential replacement hosts and will provide more information in due course.
The decision by Lima to withdraw from hosting the event comes after a series of political crises and natural disasters that have affected the country in recent years. In November 2020, the country witnessed protests against the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the resignation of the then President, Martin Vizcarra. In July 2021, the country was hit by a magnitude 6.1 earthquake that caused damage to buildings and roads.
Despite the challenges, WA remains committed to promoting athletics worldwide and supporting young athletes in their development. The World Under-20 Championships provide a platform for the world's best young athletes to compete and showcase their talent. The event is also an opportunity for host cities to showcase their cultural and sporting heritage to a global audience.
The withdrawal of Lima as the host city is a setback for the event, but WA remains confident that a replacement host will be found. The governing body is committed to working with the new host city to ensure a successful and safe event for all participants and spectators. WA has already demonstrated its ability to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic, having successfully held the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, in 2019.
The decision by Lima to withdraw as host city underscores the importance of careful planning and risk assessment in hosting major sporting events. With climate change and political instability affecting many parts of the world, organisers must take into account the potential risks and challenges of hosting such events. The decision by Lima to withdraw from hosting the event is a reminder of the need for flexibility and adaptability in the face of unforeseen circumstances.