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Athletics NZ has determined that it will not be sending a team to the 2021 24H IAU World Championships scheduled to be held 2-3 October in Romania. Athletes who have previously submitted an Application for Selection Form for this competition have been contacted directly and are in agreement with this decision. As such, the current 2021 24H IAU World Championships policy has been made null and void.
This decision has not been reached lightly – recognising the impact that it will have on our Out of Stadia athletes’ opportunities to compete internationally – and comes after a detailed review and consideration of all relevant factors by Athletics NZ’s board and senior management team, including but not limited to risks related to Covid-19.
The New Zealand Government has established criteria for early access to vaccines for athletes travelling to represent New Zealand at significant senior international sports events. Unfortunately the 2021 24H IAU World Championships falls outside the criteria for early vaccination. Should an athlete or member of the management and coaching team catch Covid-19 while in Romania, it would not only be a major health risk to the individual (i.e., we have very limited assurance that we would be able to obtain appropriate medical care) but also to the wider team members.
In addition, any athlete, coach or management team member falling ill could find themselves unable to travel back to New Zealand or their country of residence for an undetermined amount of time and face considerably increased costs, with no insurance cover for the potentially significant expenses that may result from this, including delays in rescheduling any NZ MIQ slot due to travel delays.
When taking into consideration the current situation in Romania, with high case numbers, as well as NZ Government advice not to travel overseas at this time, Athletics NZ has been advised by its insurance brokers that we cannot be guaranteed insurance cover for the team, management or coaches travelling to this event.
Please contact Brianna Maynard for questions.