The U.S. Track and Field (USATF) has announced the cancellation of the upcoming field trip to Peru for the U20 World Championships, leaving young athletes without the opportunity to compete on the world stage this August 26th – 31st.
This decision is rare, as it is uncommon for Team USA to not send a full team of qualified athletes to an international championship. However, some may question the reasons behind this decision, especially considering that Peru is designated as a level 2 travel precaution destination by the U.S. State Department, similar to countries like Sweden and the UK.
If safety is a concern, there are alternative solutions that could be explored, such as allowing qualified athletes who are ready and eager to compete to take the spots of those who choose to defer. By working together and finding solutions, the relationships between USATF and Peru can be maintained, and young athletes can still have the opportunity to showcase their talent on the world stage. It is important to prioritize giving these kids the chance to compete and excel.
