By: Semira Muhamedbirhan
The Ethiopian national athletics delegation has arrived safely in Eugene, Oregon, to compete in the 21st World Athletics Under-20 Championships, which are scheduled to take place at the iconic Hayward Field at the University of Oregon from August 5 to 9, 2026. Speaking upon arrival at the team headquarters, the Chief Delegation Leader and Senior Athletics Federation Official officially reported that the young squad has completed all preliminary conditioning and is fully prepared to defend the nation's proud legacy of global distance-running dominance.
Delegation officials stated that Ethiopia will feature a formidable roster of junior talent contesting a comprehensive range of track and field events. The team is entered in the men’s and women’s 800-meter, 1,500-meter, 3,000-meter, and 5,000-meter middle- and long-distance races, alongside the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, the women’s 400-meter sprint, and the men’s and women’s 10,000-meter race walk events. The head coach recommended that the athletes remain disciplined, acclimatize quickly to the local Pacific Northwest conditions, and adhere strictly to race tactics to navigate tactical qualifying heats against traditional global athletics powerhouses like Kenya and Uganda.
Highlighting the historic significance of the venue, federation representatives noted that competing at Hayward Field—universally celebrated for hosting the 2022 World Athletics Championships and numerous U.S. Olympic Trials—provides an extraordinary international platform for the next generation of Ethiopian runners. The coaching staff recommended that sports authorities, national media, and fan communities back home maintain strong moral support, emphasizing that the Under-20 Championships historically serve as the ultimate launching pad for future Olympic champions and world record holders.
Concluding the arrival briefing, the team management confirmed that final technical meetings, track familiarization sessions, and medical clearances are currently underway ahead of the opening events. The delegation expressed firm confidence in the squad's physical readiness and mental resolve, assuring the public that the young athletes are determined to secure an impressive medal haul and fly the Ethiopian flag high on the world stage.
