June 12, (THEWILL)- The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sporting activities, especially in Africa, has witnessed a phased reduction with the resumption of events and games across the continent and the availability of in-person crowds in the stands while observing strict social-distancing and health and safety protocols.
However, it is not yet Uhuru for all countries in Africa. That is why, ahead of the August 17 and 22 hosting of this year’s World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Kenya, Britain has announced that it will pull out while pointing to COVID-19 as the rationale for their decision.
THEWILL recalls that Kenya is one of the countries included in the “Red List” of the government of the United Kingdom. Anyone in these “red countries”, in their categorisation, stands the highest risk of contracting COVID-19. Therefore, they recommend that these nations ought not to be visited “except in the most extreme of circumstances” and with the knowledge of the risks involved.
The statement detailing the withdrawal from the Kenyan championship by Britain said: “This decision has been reached for a number of reasons including UK Government guidance not to travel to red list countries; the associated risks with COVID-19 variants; the significant cost and time required in quarantine both in Kenya and UK, but most importantly the wellbeing of our athletes, coaches and support team.”
For context, the Eastern African country has so far recorded about 175,000 coronavirus cases with deaths numbering about 3,378. But, Kenya got hosting rights for the championship from World Athletics (WA) after successfully staging the International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships for the U18s.
Also missing at that championship was Britain, who were absent for the sake of security concerns. There was a spiked hike in the very real threat of terrorism forcing a group of countries that included Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United States, to withdraw.
The need for caution is wise but unfortunate for Britain, which as a country has benefitted from the World Athletics U20 Championships as it has been a fertile breeding ground for some of Britain’s stars of the future including Colin Jackson and Mark Lewis-Francis.
THEWILL recalls that Jackson was a gold medalist in the 110 metres hurdles while Lewis-Francis also took home a 100m gold medal. In addition to these two, Christian Malcolm, who is the current head coach of British Athletics Olympic Programme, won the 100m and 200m in Annecy, France at the 1998 edition of the Championships.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
