Sudtirol 2009

“Südtirol 2009” will be remembered as the WYC of records, as a record number of 46 nations went home with medals.

Kenya is the most successful nation in Bressanone/Brixen thanks to three double victories ahead of the USA in front of 5000 spectators to end an unforgettable World Youth Championships.

Sixteen-year-old Johan Rogestedt from Sweden snatched up the Gold in 800m from Kenya at the WYC  2009 in Bressanone/Brixen in front of his idol and two-times Olympic champion Sebastian Coe.

Kenya's Purity Rionoripo last night won Africa's first gold medal in the girls 3000 metres with a personal best of 9:03.79 at the 6th IAAF World Youth Championships in Bressanone/Brixen.

The 6th IAAF WYC officially opened on picturesque Cathedral Square in Bressanone/Brixen, with more than 5000 spectators at 6:37pm last night by Governor of South Tyrol Durnwalder; competitions start tomorrow.

The International Amateur Athletics Federations (IAAF) President, Lamine Diack of Senegal, hopes that athletics become a core sport for today's youth, even in the midst of other numerous choices they face as young people.

"IAAF World Youth Masterclass" and "Kids' Athletics" a raging success / Opening ceremony of WYC tomorrow at 6:30 pm on the Cathedral Square in Bressanone/Brixen.

The WYC have received its blessing by the Pope as competitions start on Wednesday; Local Governor of South Tyrol Durnwalder will open the WYC. Benedict XVI offered his wishes to the organizers and athletes of the WYC immediately after his Angelus prayer.

The WYC mascot in Bressanone/Brixen crow Hugo was real once. Athletes competing for medals at the WYC in Bressanone/Brixen will have to share the attention with a black crow.

Athletics South Africa (ASA) announced today that a team of 30 athletes will participate in the IAAF World Youth Championships in Bressanone, Italy, from 8 to 12 July. The team consists of 20 boys and 10 girls.