02.07.2009

Mexican entry boosts world youth nations to 180

A record 180 nations will now participate at the 6th IAAF world youth championships in Bressanone after local organisers yesterday approved a late entry to the event from Mexico.

Mexico had held off its registration in the meet due to the worldwide threat of swine flu but this week gained clearance to compete.

Eighteen Mexican athletes will now head for the world youth event, joining athletes from 179 nations worldwide. Of those participating, 45 nations are from Europe, 39 from Africa, 36 from Asia and 30 from Middle and North America, 18 from Oceania and 12 from South America.

A total of 1339 athletes (771 boys and 568 girls) will now take to the stage in Bressanone across five days of competition from July 8-12.

"We immediately made ourselves knowledgable about the potential risks of swine flu once Mexico confirmed it attendance," said event manager Stefano Andreatta.

"The IAAF has mitigated our concerns, assuring us the that Mexican delegation has been subject to a special screening for swine flu."

Following two days of competition on the Gold Coast, Australia's 22 world youth representatives are today making their final preparations for the meet ahead of tomorrow's departure for Europe.

Image: Jodi Lambert