Now that the 2024 Paris Olympics have wrapped up, everything that follows for the rest of the year will struggle to replicate the hype. While it’s difficult to match the grandeur and excitement of the Olympics, Lima 2024 was set to make track and field history. With 1700 athletes from over 130 countries, this year’s World Athletics U20 Championships boasts unmatched numbers.

On Monday, August 26, WA CEO Jon Ridgeon announced the true scope of Lima 2024. He said the competition would be “the largest single-sport event ever to be staged in Peru and also the most athletes ever to have competed in this event in its 38-year history.” during a pre-event press conference. However, despite its grandeur on paper, track and field fans can sense the lack of a worthy crowd.

“The crowd is literally NON-EXISTENT at the World U20 Champs in Lima. Very poor that there’s no atmosphere for these junior athletes, but saying that, Peru has never struck me as a country that’s extremely passionate about athletics,” wrote X-user Owen. Despite world-class track and field athletes vying for top spots in their age group, the stands remained empty.

19-year-old Medina Eisa’s historic second U20 world title perfectly encapsulated the state at Lima 2024. Eisa smashed the U20 5000m champion record, clocking 14:39.71 seconds, and defended her title in the process. However, unlike Armand Duplantis’ world record pole vault attempt in Pairs, the empty stands didn’t roar to congratulate the Ethiopian’s achievement.

“To see future senior Olympic and world champions for the very first time in action. I can’t wait.” Ridgeon said during the press conference. However, it seems he didn’t share his excitement. Another factor that only contributed to the lack of enthusiasm was the flat commentary during the live broadcast.

“I’d like to see some more energy in the commentary box at the World U20s.” Owen pointed it out in his post. The fan didn’t shy away from sarcasm as well. “I know I’m asking A LOT but liven up. It keeps us fans even more engaged. Dry and dull commentary only makes people tired and switch off!” he stated. However, Owen wasn’t the only one complaining.

The track and field fans suggested a different host

Some were a bit more understanding about the flat commentary. “It’s not an easy gig in fairness. Passion and a good voice helps,” commented a fan. However, that didn’t change the fact that insightful commentary plays a huge role in keeping the broadcast audience hooked. Unfortunately, others agreed that the commenters at Lima missed the mark on day one.

Meanwhile, one track and field enthusiast had the answer to the lack of a live audience. “Well… The men’s 100m national record in Peru, set in 2016, is 10.28s,” commented the netizen. He argued that the people of a country whose athletes fall far behind the world’s elites won’t line up to fill the stands. That’s why another X-user suggested a different region for such a historic event.

“Every major track event should be in Europe or the Caribbean,” commented the fan. While the USA is the heartland of track and field in the West, it’s popular in nearly all major European countries and the Caribbean. Jamaica has dominated the sport for the last two decades. European nations such as Great Britain, the Netherlands, and others have also historically done well.

Hence, the audience in those countries is far more invested in the sport. A Jamaican fan advocated for his nation as the ideal host. “Nope – can’t even think of a Peruvian athlete! But they were willing to fund it and that is what counts… Someone really needs to build us a stadium in Jamaica – we bring the vibes EVERY TIME,” commented a trick and field enthusiast and a Jamaican native.

Another fellow Jamaican agreed with the sentiment. “Imagine this Championships was in Jamaica. The atmosphere would be electric,” theorized the netizen. However, the individual also understood why Peru may have willingly hosted the U20 Championships. “But I understand it being in Peru, the sport needs more eyes so venturing out is great. They have the Pan-Am soon as well,” added the X-user.

The fan argued that maybe an international event would finally rum up some much-needed attention. However, with the current lack of audience, it doesn’t seem that the move was a success. Yet, how do you feel about the lack of a crowd at Lima 2024?