The medals for the World Athletics U20 Championships Lima 24 have been unveiled, featuring the event logo which symbolises a passion for sport and commitment to the ancient culture and tradition of Peru.
Athletes will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in 45 events between 27-31 August, when Lima will become the first city in Peru to host a World Athletics Series event.
The event logo on the medals incorporates three main themes:
Machu Picchu
Located at the top of a mountain in Cusco, Machu Picchu is the most extraordinary archaeological site of Peru and the most important legacy of the Inca civilisation to humanity.
It is considered one of the seven new wonders of the modern world and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983.
The chasquis
In times of the Inca Empire, the ancient runners, named “chasquis”, covered extensive territories to carry the Inca’s messages from one town to another.
These runners were organised under an efficient post system and were physically prepared from an early age to fulfil their mission.
Athletics track
The official logo of the World Athletics U20 Championships Lima 24 shows a chasqui symbolically running along an athletics track with the citadel of Machu Picchu in the background.
It represents the effort and commitment of athletes to sport and the wonderful history of Peru that awaits them with open arms.