Athletes are trained to face the challenges of the track and field. Any outside factor that hampers their performance on the field is harmful. It creates anxiety and apprehension in them. It affects them mentally and physically resulting in poor performance on the field. The 1,200 youth athletes gathered at Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio appeared to be affected by such a factor.

The youth athletes were supposed to participate in USA Track and Field national youth outdoor championship. But,  it seems their dreams will have to wait longer before it is realized. The governing authority has postponed the day’s event.

USA Track and Field National Youth Outdoor Championships in Uncertainty

USA Track and Field (USATF) is the governing body of track and field and other related running events in the United States. It conducts many competitions on state and national levels for athletes of all ages and track events. The USA Track and Field national youth outdoor championship is one of them. They have participants from the ages of 8 to 18.

As reported by wkyc.com, the organizers canceled the day’s events due to poor air quality. At first, they delayed the events for two hours. But the smoke and most importantly air quality possessed the threat that they were trying to avoid. After analyzing the weather again, the organizers and Spire Institute executives took a decision to cancel the events of the whole day. Now, they will conduct the event in three days’ time instead of the planned four days. The rescheduling will be provided to the athletes, coaches, and guardians later. According to the USATF staff, the incident is unfortunate but their prime importance is the health of athletes, which cannot be compromised. The organizers have asked the athletes to be inside and also have appointed health professionals to address any issue.

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Anxious Athletes, Parents, and Coaches show mental toughness

After the cancelation of the day’s events, the athletes, their parents, and coaches demonstrated their mental well-being. Despite overcoming their mental barrier, they convey their disappointment for today and hopes for tomorrow. One young athlete said that this will give them more time to prepare. Other was disappointed because he has traveled such a long distance for the event and does not get a chance to participate. The parents and coaches conveyed their dislike but realized that safety was a priority.

Now, the event will be conducted on a three-day schedule. The athletes will participate in the 1500M race walk, 400M dash, 100M hurdle, high jump, short jump, pole vault, decathlon, and similar events. Let’s see how the athletes will perform tomorrow.

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