After years of African athletes setting new records in track and field, Africa will host the prestigious World Athletics Championships for the first time. Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, has been selected as the host city for the 2029 edition of the championships, which is considered the most significant event in athletics after the Olympics.
World Athletics president, Sebastian Coe, described the decision to bring the championships to Africa as historic, highlighting Kenya’s strong connection to the sport. Kenya, renowned for its dominance in distance running, holds the second position on the all-time world medal table, trailing only the United States.
Salim Mvurya, the Kenyan government minister overseeing sports, emphasized that hosting the championships in Kenya signifies more than just a sporting event; it embodies the national narrative deeply rooted in running culture. Nairobi’s altitude, being the highest ever for a world championships host, may lead to potential record-breaking performances due to the thinner air, although athletes might need time to acclimate to the conditions.
In 2031, the championships will return to Germany after a 22-year hiatus, with Munich being chosen as the host city. Coe mentioned that research conducted by World Athletics revealed Kenya to be the most enthusiastic market for track and field among the surveyed regions. The stadium selected for the championships is currently undergoing upgrades for Kenya’s co-hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations in the upcoming year.
Acknowledging Kenya’s track and field legacy, Coe praised Nairobi for seizing the opportunity to host the championships. While this decision recognizes Kenya’s status as a dominant force in track events, it also brings attention to the nation’s history of doping scandals involving elite Kenyan runners.
The 2031 championships in Munich could bolster the city’s bid to host future Olympics, as it aims to showcase its capabilities as a sporting hub. Other cities, such as London and Rome, lost their bids for the 2029 championships. Following the unique format of the recent Ultimate Championship, which offered substantial cash rewards to a select group of top athletes, the traditional World Championships will return in Beijing next year, featuring a broader range of events over a ten-day period.
Looking ahead, the Ultimate Championship plans to continue its innovative approach in the athletic world, with Coe expressing optimism about the event’s future. The success of the inaugural Ultimate Championship has generated considerable interest in hosting future editions, signaling a potential shift in the landscape of elite track and field competitions.
