The World Athletics U20 Championships Start Tomorrow: Everything You Need to Know

The future of world athletics takes centre stage tomorrow as the World Athletics U20 Championships get underway at the iconic Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

Running from August 5th until 9th, the championships will bring together the world's best athletes under the age of 20 to compete for global honours across every track and field discipline. First held in 1986 as the World Junior Championships, the event has become one of the most prestigious competitions in age group athletics, with countless Olympic and World champions making their breakthrough on this stage before going on to senior success.

For Ireland, it is another opportunity to see the country's brightest young talents take on the world's best, with Athletics Ireland selecting a 23 strong team for the championships. The squad features athletes across the sprints, middle distance, hurdles, jumps, combined events and relays, many of whom have already impressed on the European stage this season.

Hayward Field Hosts The Next Generation

Few venues in athletics carry the reputation of Hayward Field.

Located on the campus of the University of Oregon, the stadium has become synonymous with major international championships, having hosted the World Athletics Championships in 2022 along with multiple US Olympic Trials. Widely regarded as one of athletics' spiritual homes, it provides a fitting backdrop for the sport's next generation of stars.

Ireland's History At The Championships

Ireland has enjoyed some memorable moments at the World Athletics U20 Championships over the years, with several athletes using the competition as a springboard to successful senior careers.

The country's first medal came through Antoinette Burke, who claimed high jump silver in 1994. Since then, Irish athletes have continued to make their mark, with Ciara Mageean winning 1500m silver in 2010, followed by Sommer Lecky's high jump silver in 2018.

Ireland's medal roll also includes Molly Scott, Ciara Neville, Gina Akpe Moses, Patience Jumbo Gula and Rhasidat Adeleke, who were part of the women's 4x100m relay team that secured silver in 2018. Most recently, Oisín Joyce added his name to that list by taking bronze in the javelin at the 2024 championships.

Ireland's Team For Eugene

The Athletics Ireland squad is made up of 23 athletes:

Men

Adam Ofeimun (Donore Harriers) – 4x100m Relay
Ben Sykes (Orangegrove AC) – 4x100m Relay
Ciaran O'Farrell (Donore Harriers) – 4x100m Relay
Cillian Gleeson (Celbridge AC) – 5000m
Desmond O'Neill (Raheny Shamrock AC) – 400m Hurdles
Dubem Amah (Tallaght AC) – 200m, 4x100m Relay
Eoin O'Callaghan (Bandon AC) – Decathlon
Ethan Dewhirst (Tír Chonaill AC) – 400m Hurdles
Joshua Awujoola (Fast Twitch AC) – 4x100m Relay
Matthew Newell (Castlegar AC) – 5000m Race Walk
Seamus Clarke (Moy Valley AC) – 5000m Race Walk

Women

Dearbhla Allen (St Peter's AC) – 3000m Steeplechase
Ellis McHugh (Ferrybank AC) – 400m Hurdles
Erin Friel (Letterkenny AC) – 4x400m Relay
Gemma Galvin (Ennis Track AC) – 1500m
Maria Zakharenko (Kilcoole AC) – 4x400m Relay
Molly Daly (Kilkenny City Harriers) – 4x400m Relay*
Orlaith Mannion (South Galway AC) – 100m Hurdles
Pia Langton (Kilkenny City Harriers) – 800m, 1500m
Roisin Murray (Bray Runners AC) – 4x400m Relay
Saoirse Fitzgerald (Lucan Harriers) – 800m
Siún Quinn (Brothers Pearse AC) – High Jump
Sofia Granjo (St Laurence O'Toole AC) – 4x400m Relay

*Initially a 25 member team, but Molly Daly & Enya Silkena have withdrawn.

When Will The Action Take Place?

Thanks to the eight hour time difference between Ireland and Oregon, the championships will take place almost entirely during the evening and overnight hours for Irish viewers.

The morning sessions will run from 6pm to 10pm Irish time, while the evening sessions are scheduled between 1am and 5am Irish time the following morning. That means fans can comfortably watch the daytime programme during the evening, while those willing to stay up a little later can also catch the championship finals overnight.

With the bulk of the action falling outside the normal working day, Irish athletics fans will have plenty of opportunities to follow the championships live throughout the week.

How To Watch

Every session from Eugene will be streamed live and free on Eurovision Sport. Supporters simply need to create a free account to watch the championships.

Watch live here:

https://eurovisionsport.com

Follow Along With Run Republic

Run Republic will have comprehensive coverage throughout the week, including our daily How To Watch guides, previews, results, reports and reaction as Ireland's young stars compete on one of athletics' biggest stages.

Keep an eye on Run Republic across the week for all the latest updates from Eugene.