U.S. to host world track and field championships for first time

The city known as “Track Town USA” has finally won the right to host the world track and field championships.

Eugene, Ore., will become the first American city to hold the prestigious meet in 2021.

International track officials made the surprise announcement Thursday, bypassing the standard bidding process. They had been impressed with Eugene’s unsuccessful bid for the 2019 championships.

“Although this decision departs from the usual procedure, I am delighted that my council colleagues understood the enormous opportunity,” said Lamine Diack, president of the IAAF, who called the U.S. “a key market.”

The IAAF council made its decision during meetings in Beijing.

“In hosting this meet at historic Hayward Field, on the beautiful University of Oregon campus, we believe we can ignite a spark that will leave a lasting legacy for track and field for generations to come,” said Vin Lananna, who led Eugene’s campaign.