MELBOURNE, September 11, 2020 – Athletics Australia has today confirmed that eight National Championship events that were due to be held in 2020 have been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions and to ensure the health and wellbeing of athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials and staff.
“Athletics Australia has continued to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and assess all opportunities and risks associated with conducting National Championships events,” said Darren Gocher, CEO of Athletics Australia.
“It has been determined to cancel these National Championships events in the best interests of the health and wellbeing of our athletics community. We’ve also strongly considered the logistical and movement restrictions in place with particular regard to state and territory border closures, which makes these National Championship events inaccessible to all.”
The eight National Championship events that are now cancelled are:
With specific regard to Olympic Games selection requirements and opportunities the status of the 2020 Australian 10,000m Championship and Selection Trial, along with the 2020 Australian 50km Race Walking Championships and Selection Trial is pending. Further information on the status of these events will be advised as soon as practical.
Athletics Australia understands the need for coaches and athletes to have certainty in their preparation for these two events. Given current COVID-19 restrictions in place in Victoria, Athletics Australia is assessing alternate venue options in other states that may facilitate the conduct of these events prior to Christmas 2020. Any decision will take into consideration the current health and safety guidelines imposed by authorities and information regarding the status of these events will be made available as soon as possible.
Athletics Australia continues to plan for a 2021 National Summer Season with draft dates to be published shortly.
