Athletics Australia (AA) has confirmed its commitment to holding the 2021 Australian Track and Field Championships in Sydney.
AA acknowledges that the circumstances surrounding health and safety guidelines are evolving, however, the intent is to conduct the Championships in its entirety from April 12 – 21.
Athletics Australia CEO Darren Gocher said, “We know the Australian athletics community is excited to finally come together for the 2021 Australian Track and Field Championships, but more important than that is the health and safety of everyone in our community.
“We are committed to staging the Australian Track and Field Championships in Sydney, given the importance of this event to the broader athletics community and for our athletes trying to qualify for Tokyo, and the World Under 20 Championships.
“However, we want to be completely transparent. We will hold the Championships in a similar fashion to any other year, providing it is safe for all stakeholders.
“We are doing everything possible to hold a safe event, including working with the NSW Government, and in the case that the event can’t be held in its full capacity, we are looking at contingency plans to give athletes the opportunity they need to qualify for their major championships.”
In line with planning an Australian Track and Field Championships, AA is undertaking regular risk assessment and mitigation reviews. Contingency venues and revised competition structures have also been devised and will be executed if required.
As such, AA has not yet been able to release a final timetable, however, a draft schedule outlining days of events will be distributed later this week. Changes to this schedule may be required pending further restrictions. For the time being, we strongly encourage all attendees to book refundable flights and accommodation.
We remain hopeful that the 2021 Australian Track and Field Championships can be delivered in its entirety in a COVID-safe environment, and we will provide further updates as more information is available.
Posted: 8/2/2021
