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Contents
Introduction

4

1.

President’s Report

62.

Executive Board Report143.

Council Report28

3.1 Governance & Membership30

3.2 Competition & Events54

3.3 Development

71

3.4 Communications

96

4.

5.

6.

Commission Reports

104

4.1 Athletes’ Commission

108

4.2 Competition Commission

113

4.3 Development Commission

118

4.4 Governance Commission

122

Working Group & Taskforce Reports

126

5.1 Athletic Shoes Working Group129

5.2 Human Rights Working Group134

5.3 Safeguarding Working Group

138

5.4 World Plan Working Group143

5.5 Gender Leadership Taskforce

150

Financial & Audit Reports

156

6.1 Financial Audit

159

6.2 Non-Financial Audits

160

Appendices164

Appendix A – 2021 Audited Financial Statements

164

Appendix B – World Athletics 2021 Remuneration policy

204

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Introduction
This is the Annual Council Report for 2021 required under Article 79 of the World Athletics Constitution,
for the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. It includes the audited annual financial statements for2021 and outlines the key decisions and activities during the year.

The 2021 Annual Council Report is divided into the following sections:

1.

President’s Report

2.

Executive Board Report3.

Council Report4.

Commission Reports

5.

Working Group & Taskforce Reports

6.

Financial & Audit Reports
6.1. Financial Audit
6.2. Non-financial (Governance & Ethical Compliance andAnti-Doping & Integrity programmes) Audits

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1. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

1. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

1. PRESIDENT’SREPORT
By the time you read this we will have staged

Obviously, the central focus of our competition

our World Athletics Championships Oregon22,

was the Tokyo Olympic Games.

the first outdoor senior world championships• Athletics recorded the highest number ofbroadcast viewing hours (2.2m) of any sport
at the Tokyo Olympic Gamesfor three years. I know a lot of work has gone

No past Olympic Games have presented ainto preparing the event and the athletes and I

greater challenge to all of us, particularly of

are looking forward to it enormously.

course our athletes. Again, your flexibility,• The largest number of media articles were
written about athletics (10k).
• Athletics also saw the highest number ofresilience and bravery saw us through. Your

shared articles across social media (700m),

2021 was a challenging year for everyone indetermination to keep our sport front andleading to over 62m conversations on social

our sport as competition returned, albeit withcentre and doing everything you could tomedia around athletics.

restrictions on spectators in some cases, butmaintain your domestic events gave thethe challenges presented by Covid-19 added

athletes the platform for the many outstanding

the IOC and Tokyo Olympic Gameslayers upon layers of complexity.

performances we witnessed in Tokyo. The

websites and app (over half a million).

• The highest number of video views acrossathletes rose to the occasion after many
There is a wise quote from British author, Vivien

months of disruption and frustration, andYou’ll recall at the start of last year I challenged

Greene, wife of distinguished novelist Graham

did so again at the World Athletics U20

all of you as Member Federations to support

Greene, that sums up 2021 for me: “LifeChampionships in Nairobi.

delivery of the World Athletics Strategy for

isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s

Growth and its four pillars by delivering five

about learning how to dance in the rain”. And

It was a collective contribution that saw

across the sport we did just that. We learned

athletics excel and crucially entrenched us asa lot about ourselves and our sport in 2020,

the number one Olympic Sport. This is not

1. Increase participation at either

particularly about how to adapt, be flexible,

just anecdotal, the IOC commissioned Publicis

grassroots or elite level or bothresilient, brave and creative. We put this toSport & Entertainment (PSE), an independent

Many Federations focussed on placings andgood use in 2021, ending the year strongly

agency to collect and consolidate the sport

medals with the World Athletics Relays indespite the tough conditions.

and event data from all continents. And thisSilesia, the World Athletics U20 Championships

research showed:

in Nairobi, the return of the one-day meetings

actions across the year. These were:

and the Tokyo Olympic Games.

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1. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

1. PRESIDENT’S REPORTThis is crucial for some because a goodWith more coaches and technical officials, we

4. Secure one meaningful partnership

Europe but we do want to see this rolled

medal haul equates to greater Government

will have more people who are able to work

We cannot deliver the growth we want toout across many more Federations as thefunding. But a large proportion of Member

with clubs, schools and recreational runners

see without strong and resilient partners

connection is a powerful one.

Federations do not have these metrics andand build more grassroots participation.

– not just commercial, although they are

we understand that. We are not a one size fits

important, but non-commercial partnerships

Delivery is within all of us and every

all sport. Increasing participation in our sport

3. Participate in two of the World

with governments, health and wellbeing

Member Federation has something to

at a community level is equally important

Athletics campaigns

organisations, community bodies, parent/

contribute. We are enormously proud ofand we saw that with a renewed focus on

Four high-profile campaigns wereteacher groups, universities and many others.

the fact we are a global sport so we needclubs, schools and recreational runningcreated in 2021, which a large number ofSport is the hidden social worker in all ourto ensure we continue to grow together

communities. We also saw the number of ourFederations supported and benefitted from.

communities. Not everyone needs money

and all play our part.

one-day meetings increase, particularly underInternational Women’s Day saw the launch offrom us, they need people who understandthe Continental Tour framework, which was#WeGrowAthletics and a number of pledges

our sport, who can help organise events, large

The development of our World Plan forencouraging and the successful launch and rollfrom across our stakeholders. The results

and small, to assist in community events andAthletics, under the guidance of Willie

out of our new Kids’ Athletics programme later

were exceptional, with over 200 articles. Thisadvise schools in their many different shapes

Banks, as Chair of the World Plan Working

in the year gave many Federations the tools to

was followed by the Global Conversationand sizes about how to engage children in a funGroup, will help us do this and I am gratefulreengage with communities and governments.

campaign to support the development of theway in our sport. We have to make our sport

for the work he and his team, with all ofWorld Plan, with many Federations making

a lot more fun for young people and we haveyou, put into this. Our virtual Congress and2. Double the number of people taking

use of the communications toolkit to makeseen this happen with our new Kids’ Athletics

Convention at the end of 2021 exploredcoaching and officiating courses

sure their athletes, fans, clubs and otherprogramme and other initiatives that were

the World Plan in some detail and I think

And by that I meant more volunteers,

stakeholders were aware of the survey. It

carried out in 2021.

will help each one of us map our priorities

coaches and technical officials. We have an

resulted in over 25,000 responses from 178

unprecedented five years ahead of us and acountries providing valuable direction for the

5. Take your athletes attending the

focus at HQ is to enhance and expand ourdevelopment of the World Plan. The launchTokyo Olympic Games into schools (or if

We need to use our individual andeLearning platform to provide a faster, moreof our virtual museum – MOWA – and the

not applicable, take national champions

combined influence, reach and impact.

flexible, more accessible, and less costly way

Kids’ Athletics roll out were also supported

or elite high-performance athletes)

Sport, and our sport in particular, has

to increase the numbers of qualified coaches

by a good number of Federations for which

There are some Federations that do this as

never been so relevant. We see this all

and technical officials coming into our sport.

I am grateful.

a matter of course after an Olympic Gamesaround us, wherever you are in the world.

And this focus is beginning to pay off withor a World Athletics Championships. We see

We see athletes inspiring communities andincreased numbers actively participating in ourstrong connections with elite athletes andwe see the helplessness of many of ourcourses and programmes.

schools in the Caribbean, in Africa and parts ofGovernments to effectively deal with thefor growth in meaningful ways.

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1. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

health, fitness and wellbeing of their citizens

our communities and to the media. Work witheven if it is a priority. It has never been so stark.

our athletes, their sponsors and their training

We need to look beyond the pandemic. Review

programmes to reach deeper into our

how people are able to access our sport in our

schools and communities… it is a win/win/win

countries and territories. Make our sport morefor everyone.

accessible, make it more inclusive so it fits into
the lives of young people and adults when

I am proud of how we ended 2021 and havetheir lives get back to a more recognisable

never felt more confident about our sport andrhythm and we need to make it fun, engaging

our ability to grow it substantially over the next

and essential.

few years. These are exciting times and we
stand ready to work alongside each of you to

We need to create new partnerships (non-meet your ambitions as they are critical to us

commercial and commercial), we need to create

meeting our global sport ambitions.

more programmes that are accessible andrelevant to the communities in our countries,
we need more facilities - not just stadiums andtracks, but safe places where people can run,jump, throw and exercise – designated spaces
in parks, better lighting, running groups so
people can exercise together, support for ourclubs by encouraging more people to coachand officiate.
And we need to use our athletes more toencourage people to participate in our
sport and become fans of athletics. We can’t
have them locked away in training camps
only coming out to compete or deliver on asponsor’s commitments. Let’s combine theseand make our athletes more accessible to2021 ANNUAL COUNCIL REPORT

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2. EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT

2. EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT

2. EXECUTIVE
BOARD REPORTThe Executive Board is composed of the

The Executive Board met seven times in 2021

following members:

as listed below, with the majority of these• Sebastian COE (GBR), President

meetings held virtually.

• Sergey BUBKA (UKR), Senior Vice-President• 28 January, video conference (11th)• Geoff GARDNER (NFI), Vice-President• 16 March, video conference (12th)• Ximena RESTREPO (COL), Vice-President• 1 June, video conference (13th)• Nawaf Bin Mohammed AL SAUD (KSA),• 27 July, Tokyo (14th)• 12 October, video conference (15th)Vice-President• 26 October, video conference (16th)• Abby HOFFMAN (CAN),• 29 November, Monaco (17th)

Appointed Member• Hasan ARAT (TUR), Appointed Member

The Executive Board has responsibility• Sunil SABHARWAL (USA),for all decisions related to the business of

Appointed Member• Jon RIDGEON (GBR), Chief Executive

World Athletics including reviewing the

Officer (ex officio, non-voting member)World Athletics Strategic Plan; adopting
and monitoring the annual plan and budget;

The term of office is four years (2019-2023).

financial planning and controlling income andDetails regarding the Executive Board are

expenditure; identifying and managing risks;

available on the website here.

and developing internal controls, organisational
policies, procedures, and systems. The
Executive Board reports to Council at eachmeeting and to Congress on an annual basis.

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2. EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORTEXECUTIVE BOARD COMMITTEES

Reporting

ReportingIn 2021, the Executive Board Committees

The Committee reported to the Executive

The Committee reported to the Executive

completed their first full year of operations

Board on three occasions in 2021, as follows:

Board on four occasions in 2021, as follows:

following their establishment in 2020. Details• 13th EB meeting on 1 June

• 11th EB meeting on 28 January

on the Committees are available on the website• 14th EB meeting on 27 July

• 12th EB meeting on 16 March

here and summarised below. The term of office• 16th EB meeting on 26 October• 13th EB meeting on 1 June
• 16th EB meeting on 26 Octoberof each Committee is approximately four years
from appointment in 2020 until the conclusion

RISK COMMITTEEof the 2023 Election Congress.

The primary role of the Risk Committee is

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

to assist the Executive Board in fulfilling its

The Remuneration Committee’s primary role

AUDIT & FINANCE COMMITTEE

responsibilities for identifying and managing

is to review and make recommendations to

The Audit & Finance Committee’s primary role

key areas of risk including ongoing review of

the Executive Board on the remuneration ofis to advise and assist the Executive Board in

the corporate risk register.

officials within an established remuneration

respect of its audit function with regards toframework and policy.

its responsibilities for financial reporting andCompositioninternal control and in respect of its finance• Hasan ARAT (TUR), Chair

Composition

function in considering matters relating to• Ximena RESTREPO (COL), EB Member• Abby HOFFMAN (CAN), Chairfinancial management to safeguard financial• Arnis LAGZDINS (LAT),• Sergey BUBKA (UKR), EB Member

stability, and to strengthen transparency

Independent Member• Joanne MORTIMORE (CAN),

and accountability.

Independent Member

Composition• Adille SUMARIWALLA (IND),• Sunil SABHARWAL (USA), Chair• Rob CLARKE (GBR), Independent Member• Jean GRACIA (FRA), Independent Member• Renee WASHINGTON (USA),
Independent Member

Appointed Member

Reporting• Nawaf Bin Mohammed AL SAUD (KSA),The Committee reported to the Executive

EB Member• Julie ASANTE (GHA), Independent Member

Board on three occasions in 2021, as follows:• Riaan CLOETE (AUS), Independent Member• 11th EB meeting on 28 January• Mary HARDY (GBR), Independent Member• 12th EB meeting on 16 March• 17th EB meeting on 29 November

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2. EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT

2. EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORTKEY DECISIONS
Key areas of ongoing focus and decisions taken by the Executive Board in 2021 can besummarised as follows:

Focus

Decision/ focus

AuditsAdoption and approval of the 2020 audited accounts under International Financial Reporting Standards(IFRS) guidelines; as well as the 2020 non-financial audit of governance & ethical compliance; and the 2020
non-financial audit of anti-doping and integrity programmes (also approved by the AIU Board).
In addition, the Executive Board approved to recommend to Congress to confirm the following auditor
appointments for 2021-2024:

Focus

Decision/ focus

Strategic Plan

Ongoing review of the World Athletics Strategic Plan 2020-2023 and monitoring of delivery progressagainst identified goals and key performance indicators (details on progress outlined below).

Commercial
strategy

Ongoing oversight of the commercial strategy and sponsorship pipeline, including the identification ofpotential new sponsor categories.

Financialmanagement

Management and monitoring of the 2021 annual plan, cashflow and budget including control of income andexpenditure, which continued to be pertinent during the Covid-19 pandemic, and consideration of longer
term financial security.

Remuneration

A framework of remuneration principles for all relevant bodies was developed by the Remuneration
Committee with agreement that the scope of the Committee’s work should only consider the salary of
the one person reporting to EB (i.e., the CEO) with the same policy applying for the AIU. The salaries andsalary structure for the rest of the staff remain the responsibility of the CEO within the defined budgetary
envelope set by the EB.

Risk
management

Ongoing monitoring and oversight of the corporate risk register through the Risk Committee with scrutiny
on the financial and risk assessments related to potential postponement or cancellation of the World
Athletics Series (WAS) events scheduled for 2021 and beyond and the Olympic Games.

•••

Ernst & Young as financial auditors;
Ernst & Young as non-financial auditors of governance and ethical compliance; and,QSA as non-financial auditors of anti-doping and integrity programmes (recommendation supported by
the AIU).

Major
transactions

Approval of a loan of USD 1,992,000 to the Diamond League AG, as a major transaction. This loan wasapproved to mitigate the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Diamond League circuit andmeetings, including a reduction in IMG secured international broadcast income.

2022 budget

Adoption and approval of the World Athletics budget and annual plan for 2022, and three-year projectionsfor 2023-25, which were provided to Council for information.

HQ/
management
oversight

Management of the HQ and human resources processes specifically the approach to the Monaco furlough
scheme, which continued for the first half of 2021.

Following work by the Risk Committee, a recommendation was made to Council, and supported, to cancel
the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships in Minsk in April 2022 due to the political instability
and negotiate an exit agreement with the Belarus Athletic Federation and local organising committee; and to
identify alternative potential new hosts for the event in April 2022 as a matter of urgency.
In addition, the Risk Committee reviewed and advised on the recommendations of the Human Rights
Working Group (HRWG) including agreement to include the Risk Committee in any training that is developed
in relation to the human rights framework and its application in practice.
Prize money

Approval to use an allocation of funds derived from the Russian Athletics Federation (RusAF) sanction fee
to increase the current World Athletics Championships (WCH) total prize money budget of USD 7,530,000
by USD 1 million per WCH over the next two editions. This aligns with the Strategic Plan aim to increasefinancial opportunities for athletes with details of the proposal summarised below:••••

USD 2 million of the RusAF USD 5 million fine money to be used to increase WCH prize money (theremaining USD 3 million to reserves);
World Athletics committed to funding the increase for the 2022 and 2023 WCH, i.e., USD 1 million per
WCH and USD 2 million in total;
WCH host cities will be responsible from 2025 onwards;
Overall increase represents an additional USD 23,000 per discipline at the WCH (44 disciplines from
USD 150,000 to USD 173,000).

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2. EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT

2. EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORTCOMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIPSOFFICIAL PARTNERS& AFFILIATESWorld Athletics’ top tier partners are ASICS,

Dentsu Athletics

QNB, Seiko and TDK.

The World Athletics/ Dentsu Steering BoardWORLD ATHLETICS STRATEGY FORGROWTH 2020-2023
Since the launch of the World Athletics Strategic Plan 2020-2023 in June 2020, significant

continues to work in partnership to grow

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

commercial revenues and reported on a

Mondo is an official supplier as are Pinsent

quarterly basis to the Executive Board on

Masons and Nielsen.

progress against the World Athletics commercial
strategy. The World Athletics/ Dentsu Steering

MEDIA PARTNERS

Board, as well as the joint delivery, sales and

TBS is World Athletics’ official media partner.

media sub-groups, meet regularly to ensure thatthe commercial strategy is being implemented.

EBU/ ESPN are World Athletics’ official media
distribution partners for Europe and Africa,

COMMERCIAL AFFILIATES OF

and in 2021 the Executive Board was closelyWORLD ATHLETICS AND THE

involved in the conclusion of a new six-year

WAS COMPETITIONS

extension of the current media rights deal for

In 2021, with many World Athletics Series

the period starting 2024 until the end of 2029

competitions postponed and/or cancelled(which included recommendations from bothand with many companies/brands halting their

the Risk and Audit & Finance Committees).

marketing spend, it was a time to consolidate
and speak to as many new brands as possible

World Athletics’ Official Partners are set out

and build relationships with them in the run up

here on the World Athletics website.

to the first World Athletics Championships in the
USA in 2022.
The Executive Board has continued to
be instrumental in proactively supporting
the Commercial Partnerships team in theirprogress has been made to drive global growth in athletics.

VISION AND MISSION

TO USE THE POWER
AND ACCESSIBILITYOF ATHLETICS AND
OUR ATHLETES TO
CREATE A HEALTHIERAND FITTER WORLDGROWINSPIRELEAD

Grow the sport ofathletics and make it
relevant in people’s lives
and in the lives of
their communities.

Create globally
appealing and accessible
competitions, events, andactivities so our talented
athletes can entertain
and inspire the world.

Be the best example ofa well governed sports
federation taking braveleadership decisions andvaluing partnerships thatdeliver athletics aroundthe world.

discussions with potential partners, which it ishoped will lead to new partnerships in 2022.

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2. EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT

2. EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORTThe athletes’ prize money for the World Athletics

STRATEGIC PLAN 2021
PROGRESS REVIEWChampionships has been increased by USD 1
million. For the 2022 and 2023 editions thishas been covered by World Athletics through

The Executive Board is responsible forinvesting the sanction fee from the RusAF

monitoring delivery of the Strategic Plan, andsuspension and reinstatement process. Futurea summary of the progress made at the end ofWorld Athletics championships organisers

2021 at the halfway point of the Plan against

starting in 2025 will be responsible for the USD

the 16 key goals under each of the four strategic

8 million total in prize money.

goals is provided below.
The Global Conversation survey campaign

MORE PARTICIPATION

results saw responses from over 25,000

The Continental Tour was launched in 2020,

people from around the world and thewith seven Gold meetings taking place in what

feedback gathered in 2021 contributed to thewas a very difficult year for events, but in 2021,

development of the World Plan for Athletics

the Continental Tour Gold series was increased

2022-2030 that was approved by Congress on

to comprise 12 events, including three new

17/18 November 2021.

events in the USA. In 2021, the Continental
Tour had 69 events in total, the Diamond League

MORE PEOPLE

was successful with 12 events, the Indoor Tour

Building on the steps taken in 2020; in 2021,

comprised 24 meetings and two World Athletics

World Athletics has continued to improve its

Series events were staged (World Athletics

connectivity with Member Federations (MFs)

U20 Championships, Nairobi (KEN) and Worldand the information provided to them throughAthletics Relays, Silesia (POL)) in addition to

the delivery of a minimum one MF Info Session

the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. New Worldper month (17 sessions were delivered in 2021

Athletics Tours in cross country (12 events),

with 74% of the membership having attended

combined events (six events) and race walking

at least one of the sessions representing 957(two events) were launched in 2021.

participants from MFs over the year).

The 2021 MF Info Sessions covered topics such

In 2021, seven road race webinars were also

as the eLearning platform content, the World

organised. All webinars were open to the public

Plan for Athletics 2022-2030 development, theand 20% of attendees were, on average, MF

new Kids’ Athletics programme, introduction

officials, while other attendees included race

to the Museum of World Athletics, an overview

organisers and technical officials. Additionalof the key changes to the Anti-Doping Rules

seminars and courses delivered in 2021 included

relevant to MFs, the Global Conversation

sessions on gender leadership, coaching andfindings, building allyship and embedding gendercommunications. Ahead of the Tokyo 2020

equality, Council meeting decisions, WAS event

Olympic Games, a dedicated communications

updates and competition management during

session was held with the MFs in each of the six

Covid-19.

Areas to provide guidance and support to MFs
on how to promote athletics and their athletes
during the Games using social media channels
and the toolkit and collateral developed by theWorld Athletics’ communications department.

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2. EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT

2. EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT

Working with the Area Associations through the

MORE PARTNERSHIPS

area development grant funding and the area

Notwithstanding the ongoing economic

development centres, the delivery of webinars

uncertainty presented by the pandemic andand online seminars in each of the Areas on

the postponement of some of our WAS events

topics including officiating, coaching and genderscheduled for 2022 and 2023, in 2021 there

leadership were organised worldwide. As inwere far more meetings/discussions with

2020, throughout 2021, most education has

potential new partners compared to 2020 andbeen delivered online rather than in-person due

brands appeared far more willing to engage andto Covid-19 restrictions.

discuss sponsorship opportunities. This has
been aided by the appointment of four new

The World Athletics eLearning content strategy,sponsorship sub-agents, who have the right towhich sets out the educational vision, goals andapproach 20 brands/companies each, and calls

proposed schedule of eLearning courses andwith six new potential brands/companies haveassociated target audience and numbers, wasbeen had. In 2021, there were approximately

progressed in 2021. The following courses were

280 companies indexed on the tracking tool,

online by the end of 2021:

that represented active discussions with

• Certification for Level I Coach Education

84 companies.

Certification System (CECS);
There has been continued work with current• Certification for Level I Technical Officials
Education Certification System (TOECS);World Athletics partners so that they

• Gender leadership course material (converting

can support 2021 campaigns/additional
programmes – e.g., many partners supported

the seminar material into an online version);

our International Women’s Day campaign.

• Modules to support the new Kids’ Athletics
programme including safeguarding measures

Pinsent Masons has also delivered both legal

and practitioner training.

and non-legal training for World Athletics staff
that has been enthusiastically received. World

A new webinar section has also been created on

Athletics also continues to support its partners

the eLearning platform where a library of pastin their activations and campaigns (e.g., ASICS’

webinars has been set up (section will be thecampaign around mental health and what role

future host of online seminars and live events).

exercise and fitness plays).

MORE FANS

which is being developed. A significant amount2021 was a mixed year in this area with limitedof work has gone into creating a world-classlive events or opportunities to engage fanscontent hub for broadcasters and other media

through traditional broadcast. However, great

to directly access live and on-demand content

strides have been made across all social media

and further development of the WebCIS andplatforms culminating in a 73% increase inathlete tracking data is delivering more analyticalfollowers with TikTok contributing one million

data and graphics to broadcasters and on social

new followers. Work is progressing on developing

media. The World Athletics Continental Tour

tactical plans to drive the fan engagement

was successfully completed in 2021 with record

strategy that will underpin our quest for one

broadcast coverage and audience data. World

million ‘known’ fans. This will bring together the

Athletics is also maximising on opportunities

work and initiatives of our communications,to improve and accelerate the World Athletics

marketing, broadcast and IT teams. A single sign

digital rights.

on (SSO) for the website aims to enable fans toengage more to get a better, tailored experience

The full Strategic Plan is available on theof athletics and access to premier content,

website here.

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3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIP

3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIP

3.1 GOVERNANCE &MEMBERSHIPThe role of Council is to govern the sport of athletics; the Council is made up of the following members:

Sebastian COE(GBR)President

Sergey BUBKA(UKR)

Senior Vice-President

Geoff GARDNER(NFI)

Vice-President

2021 continued to be impacted by the

Nawaf Bin Mohammed AL SAUD

(KSA)

Vice-President

ongoing global pandemic and the Council’s

Ximena RESTREPO(COL)

Vice-President

focus was therefore on maintaining athletics

Alberto JUANTORENA(CUB)

Individual Member

centre stage and the provision of competition

Nawal EL MOUTAWAKEL(MAR)

Individual Member

opportunities for athletes with the delivery of

Abby HOFFMAN(CAN)

Individual Member

two World Athletics Series (WAS) events and a

Dahlan AL HAMAD(QAT)

Member, Asia Area Group Representative

full calendar of one-day meetings.

Hamad KALKABA MALBOUM(CMR)

Member, Africa Area Group Representative

COUNCIL

Anna RICCARDI(ITA)

Individual Member

In addition to this, key areas of work for the

Sylvia BARLAG(NED)

Individual Member

Council in 2021 included the creation ofHiroshi YOKOKAWA(JPN)

Individual Member

the World Plan for Athletics 2022-2030,

Antti PIHLAKOSKI(FIN)

Individual Member

the delivery of the first virtual Congress &Adille SUMARIWALLA(IND)

Individual Member

Convention, the development of the new Kids’

Nan WANG(CHN)

Individual Member

Athletics programme, maximising opportunities

Willie BANKS(USA)

Individual Member

related to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

Raul CHAPADO(ESP)

Individual Member

and the development of the World Athletics

Dobromir KARAMARINOV(BUL)Member, Europe Area Group Representative*

Safeguarding Policy. The Council also provided

Beatrice AYIKORU(UGA)Individual Member

support in World Athletics strategic campaigns

Mike SANDS(BAH)

Member, NACAC Area Group Representative

such as the Global Conversation, International

Hélio Marinho GESTA DE MELO

(BRA)

Member, South America Area Group Representative

Women’s Day and the launch of the Museum of

Robin SAPONG-EUGENIO(NMI)

Member, Oceania Area Group Representative

World Athletics.

Renaud LAVILLENIE(FRA)Member, Athletes’ Commission Chair

Valerie ADAMS(NZL)Member, Athletes’ Commission Representative*Elected President of European Athletics on 14 October 2021

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3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIPGames race walking proposal

The term of office is four years (2019-2023), and• 27 April: Human Rights Working Group reportdetails regarding the Council are available on thefindings and recommendations

website here.

• 19 May: World Athletics U20 Championships
Nairobi21 planning and preparation

COUNCIL MEETINGSWORLD ATHLETICS AWARDS 2021
The World Athletics Awards 2021 were staged
as a virtual event on 1 December and streamed
live on the World Athletics YouTube channel (linkto the full awards show can be found here).

• 5 July: Proposed amendments to the

The Council met on three occasions in 2021:

Constitution and Candidacy Rules• 224th Council meeting, 17/18 March,
video conference• 225th Council meeting, 28/29 July,Tokyo• 19/20 July: Bidder presentations for the 2023

Athletes of the Year for their outstanding

World Athletics Road Running Championships

achievements in 2021 – Olympic champions

and the 2023 World Athletics Relays

Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica and Karsten• 10 November: Bidder presentations for the• 226th Council meeting, 30 November/

The following athletes were named the World

Warholm of Norway.

2024 & 2026 World Athletics Cross Country

1 December, Monaco

Championships• 22/23 November: Bidder presentations

Due to the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic,

for the 2024 World Athletics Indoor

the Council meeting which took place in MarchChampionships and 2024 World Athletics

2021 was held by video conference over two

U20 Championships

sessions of approximately three hours. The• 17 December: Proposed new rules andCouncil meetings in Tokyo and Monaco wereregulations on athletic shoes.

in a hybrid format, with Council members and

The other award winners were:• Rising Stars: Athing Mu (Female) and Erriyon
Knighton (Male)• Member Federations Award: Federacion
Costarricense de Atletismo (Costa Rica)• Inspiration Award: Mutaz Barshim and
Gianmarco Tamberi• President’s Award: Peter Diamond, Executive

presenters also able to join virtually as applicable.

COUNCIL INFORMATION SESSIONSIn addition to the formal Council meetings,

As well as meeting formally, the Council also

Vice President of NBC Olympic programming

made decisions via email on an as needs basis• Coaching Achievement Award: Bobby Kersee

to facilitate progress and meet deadlines• Woman of the Year Award: Anju

as appropriate.

the following information sessions were held

Bobby George• Jean-Pierre Durand World Athletics

throughout the year to provide an opportunity
for a more in-depth briefing and discussion on
relevant topics, as follows:• 19 January: Event Bidding process and rules

The key decisions of the Council and their

Photograph of the Year: Ryan Pierse’s

subsequent implementation by the headquarters

photograph of the women’s high jump

(HQ) are summarised in the relevant sections ofqualifying at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

this Annual Report.

• 15 March: World Athletics Championships
Oregon22 timetable and Paris 2024 Olympic

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3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIP

53RD CONGRESS & CONVENTION

A Virtual Congress Procedure was approved- Providing flexibility to hold future virtual

While the preference was to stage an

by Council in accordance with Rule 15.2 of thecongresses, and for Membership to takein-person Congress and Convention in 2021,

Rules of Congress that permits Council to adopt

decisions electronically, if needed inthis was challenging to progress from a planning

new processes to ensure Member Federation

exceptional circumstances.

perspective due to the volatile global situation

participation while taking into account theand ongoing uncertainty with regards to travel

practicalities of holding a virtual Congress.

• Approval of the Annual Report and financial
statements for the preceding two years (2019restrictions and quarantine requirements, social& 2020)distancing measures, and the variable rates of

The focus of the Convention meeting on

vaccine roll out and uptake worldwide. As a

16 November was the proposed World Plan forresult, to provide sufficient notice and clarity to

Athletics 2022-2030 and the reports from theMember Federations for planning purposes, thesix Area Associations.

• Approval of the Human Rights Working Group
recommendations• Appointment of the independent members of
the AIU Board and of the Auditors (financial

Council decided that the 53rd World Athletics

and non-financial audits)

Congress meeting and Convention would be

CONGRESS DECISIONS

held virtually on 16-18 November. Member

A summary of the key decisions taken by

Plaque of Merit (six) & Silver Order of Merit

Federations and Area Associations received

Congress is provided below:(one) as summarised on the next page.

notice of the 53rd World Athletics Congress and• Continued suspension of the Russian

Convention in Circular M/11/21 dated 19 March.

• Approval of Service Awards: Veteran Pins (18),Athletics Federation

Details of the decisions taken by Congress canbe found on the website by clicking here.

• Approval of the World Plan for Athletics
The 53rd World Athletics Congress & Convention
was therefore held virtually for the first time over2022-2030• Approval of 84 amendments to the World

Congress also took note of the dates of the 54th

three days on the 16-18 November between

Athletics Constitution, including:World Athletics Congress to be held in Budapest,

13:00-16:00 CET with approximately 180- Exempting Athletes’ Commission members

Hungary on 17-18 August 2023, as approved

Member Federations represented.

by Council.

on the Council from the “one Member
Federation rule”

The Congress Agenda, as approved by Council,- Extending the reach of the Integrity

and the full set of Congress documentation were

Code of Conduct to clarify when officials,

circulated to Member Federations onathletes, accredited persons, etc. are

16 September and presented during thebound by the rules and the Code

Congress meeting.

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3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIPVETERAN PINPLAQUE OF MERITThe Congress granted the Veteran Pin to the following recipients for their long and meritorious

The Congress granted the Plaque of Merit to the following recipients for their exceptional service

service to the cause of athletics within World Athletics and/or Area Association activities:

to the cause of global athletics within Area Association activities:

Area

Nominees

Country

GenderArea

Nominees

Country

GenderAfricaLeonie ETONG
Joseph OCHIENG
Gezahegn ABERA

Cameroon
Kenya
Ethiopia

FemaleMale
Male

AfricaAhmed ETTANNANI

Morocco

Male

Asia

Loh LIN KOK

Singapore

Male

Tsewang RINZING
Shen CHUNDU
Obeid Abud ALIYAN

Bhutan
China
Yemen

Male
Male
Male

EuropeErika STRASSER*

Austria

Female

NACAC

Cuba

Male

Frank HENSEL*
Keith DAVIES
Anthony CHIRCOP

Germany
Great Britain & NI
Malta

Male
Male
Male

Alberto JUANTORENADANGER

Oceania

Brian ROE

Australia

Male

Maria de la CARIDAD
COLON RUENES
Michael A. SERRALTADavid WEICKER

Cuba

FemaleSouth America

Marco LUQUE

Bolivia

Male

Puerto Rico
CanadaMale
Male

Oceania

Dame Valerie ADAMSSally PEARSON
Semisi FONUANew ZealandAustralia
Tonga

FemaleFemaleMale

South America

Ximena RESTREPO
Dennis MACDONALD
Luis VINKER

Chile
Suriname
Argentina

Female
Male
Male

Asia

EuropeNACAC* Posthumously

SILVER ORDER OF MERITThe Congress granted the Silver Order of Merit to Honorary Life Personal Member Carl-Olaf
HOMEN of Finland in recognition of outstanding contributions to the development and promotionof athletics throughout the world.

* Posthumously

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3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIP

3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIPWORLD PLAN FOR ATHLETICSthe sport, from athletes to coaches, fans and2022-2030

recreational runners, gave feedback
and recommendations.

The World Plan for Athletics 2022-2030
was developed by the Council throughout

The World Plan builds on the four-year

the year and approved by the Council toStrategic Plan and the four pillars of “morebe recommended to Congress for approvalparticipation, more people, more fans, and more(details of the development of the World Plan

partners” and the governance and integrity

through the dedicated World Plan Working

reforms and the work of the Athletics IntegrityGroup are set out in section 5.4).

Unit. It covers the spectrum of athletics fromschool and recreational athletics throughThe proposed World Plan and supporting

to elite performers. It is ambitious, setting

document were circulated to Member

metrics for the 67 actions against which

Federations as part of theWorld Athletics, the Areas and each Member

Congress documentation.

Federation can benchmark progress. A one
page summary of the Plan is set out. The full

The Congress unanimously approved theWorld Plan document is available in English,

World Plan, which sets clear objectives against

French and Spanish and can be accessed here.

World Athletics’ vision for the sport.
The Council will review the plan regularly over
The World Plan is the result of the largest

the next eight years and report annually on

review World Athletics has ever undertaken as

its progress.

a sport. More than 85% of the 214 Member
Federations completed detailed questionnaires
about the state of athletics in their country
and their priorities for growth. And, throughthe Global Conversation campaign, over
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3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIPWORLD PLAN
2022-2030
A plan for the whole sport - from playgrounds
and parks to Olympic podiums.

MORE PARTICIPATION• Development pathways- from school to the world stage• Facilities and equipment• Promotion and campaigning• Athletics for All• Masters athletics

A ROLE FOR EVERYONE
There is a place for everyone in our sport – young and old, female and male,elite and recreational. We will grow the sport by working together.

CLEAR GOALS, OBJECTIVES & ACTIONS

MORE PEOPLE

Four strategic goals | 19 objectives | 67 actions• Supply of support staff• Development opportunities• Safeguarding• Gender equity

ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL
Area and Member Federations have flexibility to prioritise
actions based on their own needs and available resources.

214

6

25,000178

MemberFederationsindividuals

MORE FANS• Visibility of the sport• Informed by data and insights• Reputation• Innovation and technology• Entertain and engage via digital

Area
Associations

MORE PARTNERSHIPS

countries• Benefits of partneringwith athletics• MF and Area support andsustainability• Host cities• Broadcast partners• Data and insights for partnerships

All were crucial to the developmentof this plan. No other International
Federation has conducted
such an extensive
consultation process.
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COUNCIL REPORTCOUNCIL REPORT

3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIP

3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIPADOPTION OF HUMAN

athletes participate in international competitions.

In March 2021, Council approved the Russia

At the July 2021 Council meeting, the Russia

RIGHTS REPORT

Despite the disruption, all Member Federations

Taskforce’s recommendation to reinstate theTaskforce confirmed that RusAF was making

Following a commitment made at the 2019

met their reporting requirements in 2021.

Authorised Neutral Athlete (ANA) programmesatisfactory progress against the milestones andfor clean athletes from Russia, which

KPIs set out in the Reinstatement Plan underCongress, the Council appointed a Human
Rights Working Group (HRWG) to undertake an

Russian Athletics Federationcommenced in time for the 2021 outdoor

the guidance of Acting President Irina Privalova,

initial assessment and report back to the 2021

Following the decision by Congress incompetition season. Council’s decision also

and with the assistance of the three international

Congress on progress in the recognition of

September 2019 to confirm the suspension

stated that for the remainder of 2021, no moreexperts appointed to assist in thehuman rights within the sport of athletics. Theof the Russian Athletics Federation (RusAF)

than 10 Russian athletes would be granted

Reinstatement Plan.

HRWG report findings and recommendations

until such time as there is full compliance witheligibility to compete as ANA athletes atwere approved by Congress. The HRWG

the reinstatement conditions set by the Russia

the Tokyo Olympic Games, the 2021 WorldCouncil further decided that the status of

was supported in its analysis by experts from

Taskforce, Council has received reports at

Athletics Series events and the 2021 European

RusAF’s membership would be put on the

the Centre for Sport and Human Rights andeach subsequent Council meeting from Rune

Athletics U23 Championships. RusAF could

agenda for the 53rd World Athletics Congress

Shift and the report includes an independentAndersen, the independent Chair of the Russia

choose which 10 athletes would compete frommeeting, where the Congress was asked to votecomment from them.

Taskforce, on RusAF’s progress. All the Russia

those who were granted ANA status, but it hadon the following resolution:

Taskforce’s reports, and resulting Council

to prioritise the selection of athletes who were

The HRWG report is available on the website atdecisions, have been notified to Memberin the International Registered Testing Pool.

Congress resolves, in exercise of its powers

this link and further detail is provided in section

Federations and made available on the World

There was no cap on the number of Russian

under Article 13.7 of the World Athletics

5.2 of this Annual Report.

Athletics website.

athletes who competed at other international

Constitution, that the suspension of RusAF’s

competitions, provided they had ANA status.

membership of World Athletics will continue until

MEMBERSHIP

Following detailed work by the Russia Taskforce,

Russian athletes in the under 15 age group

Council decides that all of the conditions set

Member Federation obligations

its independent experts, and RusAF, a final

could continue to compete in under 15

by Council from time to time for the revocation

Member Federations’ compliance with their

Reinstatement Plan for Russia to return to fullinternational competitions as neutral athletesof RusAF’s suspension and the consequent

member obligations is monitored annually.

international membership of the sport waswithout applying to the Doping Review Board.

reinstatement of RusAF’s membership have

The Covid-19 pandemic impacted on thedeveloped before the 1 March 2021 deadline.

These provisions could be revoked at any time

been met.

ability of some Member Federations to meet

The final Reinstatement Plan was approved

if the Russia Taskforce advised that satisfactory

their member obligations through no fault

by Council on 28 February and subsequently

progress was not being made against theCongress approved the Council’s recommendedof their own. This was primarily due to either

published on the World Athletics website (themilestones and key performance indicators

resolution that RusAF continues to be

their inability to stage national championships

related press release including the link to the(KPIs) set out in the Reinstatement Plansuspended while the Council oversees

given local legislation and health and safety

Reinstatement Plan can be accessed here).

approved by Council.

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3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIPThe Russia Taskforce reviewed the conditions• Athletic Shoe Regulations

for maintaining the ANA programme in 2022,• Candidacy Rules

and the Taskforce’s recommendation, which• Constitution

the previous candidacy period to provide

unsporting behaviour, the offender may

was approved by Council, was that the ANA• Competition & Technical Rules

the balance between the required good

not take part in further events.

programme be maintained in 2022 but amended• Diamond League Regulations

governance framework and a practicalas outlined in the Russia Taskforce’s full report• Eligibility Regulations for theprocess to resource and implement.

available by clicking here.

Female Classification• Candidacy Rules- Technical Rule 7.3 (disciplinary sanctions,- Amendments based on the experience ofRelay Events): in the case of serious- Technical Rule 11 (Validity of
Performances): to allow performances• Competition & Technical Rules

currently considered valid only if• Event Bidding Rules- These Rules were amended in Marchachieved on an outdoor facility to be

Following the military invasion of Ukraine by• Governance Rules

and July to provide clarification andalso valid if achieved on an indoor

Russia in February 2022, the Council, separately• Honorary Member and Service Award Rules

correction reflecting current practice, or

facility, subject to all technical rules

and unconnected to the Russia Taskforce’s work,• Label Road Race Regulations

amends were consequential following thebeing respected, including on oversized

agreed to impose sanctions against the Member• Rules of Congress

introduction of the 35km race walk. The

indoor tracks to count towards theFederations of Russia and Belarus, which• World Athletics Continental Tour Regulations

main changes concern the following:

outdoor lists.

included that all athletes, support personnel• World Athletics Combined Eventsand officials from Russia and Belarus would beTour Regulations

excluded from all World Athletics Series events• World Athletics Cross Country

for the foreseeable future, with immediate effect.

Tour Regulations

As a result, Council decided that the ANA

All new, or amended, rules and regulations

to confirm the validity or non-validity of

obstruction / jostling.

attempts in field events.

- Technical Rule 32.14 Notes (failure in
failure if the implement hits the cage and,events (50km road running) and thebouncing back, lands within the landing

eventual deletion of a record for a

sector, and that it is also a failure if the

A summary of the key amendments isthen redundant distance and theimplement does not make a measurable

provided below.

performances set as inaugural world

imprint.

• Constitution

records in the 35km and 35,000m race

would be excluded from World Athletics Series

RULES AND REGULATIONS

provide a clear interpretation ofworld records for newly approved• World Athletics Series Regulations

events for the foreseeable future.

for the use of alternate visual indications

cage throws): to clarify which case is a

Tour Regulations

athletes who received ANA status for 2022

- Technical Rule 17.2.2 (Obstruction): to- Competition Rule 32: to provide for• World Athletics Race Walking

process would remain in place but that Russian- Competition Rule 19.4 (Judges): to allow- Council’s proposed amendments were

- Technical Rule 54.1 (Race Walking) andwalk.

Technical Rule 54.7.3 (Race Walking): toapproved by Council in 2021 are listed

circulated to Member Federations as part

below. They were communicated to Memberof the Congress 2021 documentation

sanctions, physical support): to correct aFederations via circular and included within

and were approved at the 53rd World

previous oversight in relation to athletes

the Book of Rules, which can be found on the

Athletics Congress (refer to the Congressreceiving assistance from anotherof the Technical Rules was amended

website here.

section for details).

athlete.

in June and in October to reflect the- Technical Rule 6.2 Notes (disciplinary

provide for the introduction of the 35km
and 35,000m race walk.
- Rule 5 (Clothing, Shoes and Athlete Bibs)

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3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIP

continuation of the transition provisions• Governance Rules

set out in Note (ii) to Rule 5.2 of the- Amendments to Rule 7.9 of the

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

came into force from 1 November 2021
- New Regulations for the World Athletics

The World Athletics Safeguarding Policy wasTechnical Rules to 31 October and to 31

Governance Rules to align wording

Cross Country Tour, World Athletics

approved by Council and formally launched

December 2021 successively. Further

and deadlines relating to reporting

Race Walking Tour and World Athletics

on 10 November 2021. It is designed to

specific amendments to the Technicalto Congress.

Combined Events Tour

ensure that those in positions of authority inathletics adopt practices that actively prevent

Rule 5 were approved by Council on 22• Honorary Member and Service Award Rules

December along with new Athletic Shoe

- These new Rules set out the process

Regulations which came into force fromunderpinning the appointments offor WCH Oregon22 in the 35km race

the sport. The new policy, which is available

1 January 2022.

Honorary Members and the awarding ofwalk to the male and female world

to download from the website here, aims toService Awards at Congress. The processchampions in the 50km race walk increate a safe and welcoming environment at all- New Event Bidding Rules came into force

involves the Nominations Panel to review

Doha in 2019

levels in the sport, where everyone involved ison 26 January 2021 and included thethe Area nominations and support thefollowing key amendments:

service award recommendations made(specific provisions for World Athletics

defines the specific roles and responsibilities

a. Removal of the Special Bid Process forto the Council to submit to Congress

Indoor Championships) to enableof Member Federations, Area Associations andthe World Athletics Championships andfor approval.

more athletes to have additional

World Athletics in protecting athletes and otherattempts, starting at the World

participants in athletics, such as those engaged

Athletics Indoor Championships

in Kids’ Athletics. The policy encourages Member

Belgrade22

Federations to adopt their own safeguarding• Event Bidding Rules

World Athletics Indoor Championships• Rules of Congresswith Area Selection moving into the- Amendments to provide for Congress- World Athletics Series Regulations

harassment, abuse and exploitation within- amendments to offer the Wild Card

respected, valued and protected. The policy- amendments to Regulation 16.9.1

evaluation criteria

to be held virtually and for notice ofb. Inclusion of the ability to award two

Congress to be given less than 12- Amendments to Eligibility Regulations forpolicies and necessary safeguarding materials,

sequential editions of the same WAS

months in advance in exceptional

the Female Classification (Athletes withand guidance documents and a starter pack areevent, subject to the Bid Evaluation

circumstances, also to simplify the rules

Differences of Sex Development):

being prepared to support Member Federations

Panel’s recommendation and at thefor debate and provide detail on

these were operational and procedural

to do this.

discretion of Council

written resolutions to be passed bychanges which took effect fromc. Revised bidding process, evaluation

Member Federations.

10 December 2021

criteria and proposed methodology.

• Regulations- Further amendments were approved to

The policy will be reviewed annually and broughtback to Council for approval each year.

- New Athletic Shoe Regulations: all rules- Amendments to the Diamond League

pertaining to athletic shoes are now

the Bidding Rules in December to provide

Regulations and the World Athletics

in a new set of specific Athletic Shoe

Further details are outlined in the Safeguarding

flexibility and the ability to respondContinental Tour Regulations (which

Regulations leaving an enabling rule at

Working Group report under section 5.3.

to the changing nature of the bidding

came into force on 1 April 2021)

Technical Rule 5.2.

market and urgent situations.

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3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIPAPPOINTMENTS TO WORLD ATHLETICS BODIESIn addition, Congress approved theWorld Plan Working Group

During 2021, Council approved appointments to World Athletics bodies as summarised below.

recommended appointments of Victoria Aggar

To assist in the development and delivery ofand Jill Pilgrim as the Independent Members of

the World Plan for Athletics 2022-2030, an

the Athletics Integrity Unit Board for a further

internal working group of Council members was

two-year period from 1 December 2021 until

established to be the project steering board

the first World Athletics Council Meetingand provide oversight and input throughout

following the 2023 Election Congress.

the World Plan development process.

World Athletics
governance or
independent
body
Mechanical Aids
Review Panel

Membership and appointments

Term ofappointment

David GRACE (AUS), Chair
Francis DODOO (GHA), Member and Chair of the GovernanceCommission
Jinaro KIBET (KEN), Governance Commission Member
Raul CHAPADO (ESP), Council Member and Chair of the Competition
Commission
Anna RICCARDI (ITA), Council Member
Prof. Caroline NICOL (FRA), Member

24 January 2021 until
23 January 2025 (4years)

Antti PIHLAKOSKI (FIN), Chair and Council Member
Nawal EL MOUTAWAKEL (MAR), Council Member
Ximena RESTREPO (COL), Council Member
Jakob LARSEN, ex officio Member (Director of C&E department)
Niels LINDHOLM, ex officio Member (CRO)Ryo WAKABAYASHI, Dentsu Representative

18 March 2021 until 17
March 2024 (3 years)

Doping Review Board

Sylvia BARLAG (NED)*, Interim ChairLouise REILLY (IRL)**, Interim Member

9 July 2021 until 31
December 2021

Safeguarding
Working Group

Abby HOFFMAN (CAN), Chair and Council Member
Francis DODOO (GHA), Member and Chair of the GovernanceCommission
Willie BANKS (USA), Council Member
Beatrice AYIKORU (UGA), Council Member
Bernard LAGAT (USA), Member
Brian SHAPIRO (USA), Member

16 June 2021 until 15
June 2022 (1 year)

Robbert DE KOCK (NED), Co-Chair
Sylvia BARLAG (NED), Co-Chair
Carson CAPRARA (USA), Member
Tom CARLEO (USA), Member
Chris COOK (GBR), Member
Toni ARNDT (SWE), Member
Iñaki GÓMEZ (CAN), Member
Ryan MONTGOMERY (GBR), Member
Spencer NEL (RSA), Member
Anna RICCARDI (ITA), Member
Brian ROE (AUS), Member

Extended from 5
June 2021 until 31
December 2021

WAS Event Bid
Evaluation Panel

Athletic Shoes
Working Group* Temporary Chair for the period Robert Hersh was unable to continue on the DRB (In January 2022, Council approved that her term would run until such time as Bob Hersh is ready and able to return
to his position).
** DRB secretary temporary appointed as the third member until 31 December 2021.

The report from the AIU Board Appointments
Panel setting out the recommendation was

The composition of the Council working group

circulated to Member Federations on 6 August

was as follows:

2021 with details also set out in the• Willie BANKS (USA), Chair

Congress documentation.

• Antti PIHLAKOSKI (FIN)• Hélio Marinho GESTA DE MELO (BRA)

WORKING GROUPS• Beatrice AYIKORU (UGA)

Safeguarding Working Group• Nan WANG (CHN)

Following the Council’s decision at the March• Adille SUMARIWALLA (IND)

2021 Council meeting that a Working Group• Robin SAPONG-EUGENIO (NMI)

should be established to assist HQ with thefurther development of the Safeguarding

Following a request for proposals and a

Policy and the documentation to be preparedrobust tender and evaluation process, Deloitte

for Member Federations and Area Associations,

LLP was selected as the agency to provide

Council approved the membership of theconsultancy support to deliver the

Safeguarding Working Group as set out in theWorld Plan project.

above table with the corresponding termsof reference.

The 2021 report of the World Plan Working
Group is set out in section 5.4 of thisThe 2021 report of the Safeguarding Working

Annual Report.

Group can be found in section 5.3 of thisAnnual Report.

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3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIP

3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIPAt its December 2021 meeting, the Council

approved the appointment of the three Council

Following the introduction of the new

decided that a World Plan Implementation

Members to the BEP for a three-year term as

Honorary Member and Service Award Rules,

Working Group should be established under

set out in the table above.

the Nominations Panel was involved in the review

new terms of reference for one year to monitor

procedure of the proposed service
The responsibilities, powers and duties ofprogress against the World Plan.

award recipients.

the BEP are set out in the terms of reference

PANELS

which can be found in Appendix 1 to the Event

The proposed list of recipients of the VeteranMechanical Aids Review Panel

Bidding Rules (Book C: Competition – C6.1

Pins , Plaques of Merit and the Silver Order ofWork was undertaken in early 2021 to

Event Bidding Rules).

Merit was communicated to Member Federations

establish a panel of experts with the relevant

as part of the Congress 2021 documentation.

competence to review individual cases and

The BEP’s approved recommendations are set

decide whether the mechanical aids proposedout in this Annuall Council Report.

Nationality Review Panel
The Nationality Review Panel (NRP) was

to be used do or do not provide a competitive
advantage. Council recommended that theNominations Panelestablished by Council in 2018 pursuant topanel comprise four people covering a legal

The composition of the Nominations Panel

Clause 5.1 of the Eligibility to represent a

regulations expert, a competitions expert, a

is as follows:

Member in National Representative

para-athletics/disability expert and possibly• Gordon ORLIKOW (CAN), Convenor

Competitions Regulations.

a sports science and medicine expert –• Vijay MAKHAN (MRI), Member

membership is as set out in the table above.

• Chantal BRUNNER (NZL), Member

The composition of the NRP in 2021 was

The role of the panel is to look at each case on• Catherine THYRA FORDE (TTO), Member

as follows:

its merits and determine what procedure would• Sebastian COE (GBR), President• Hiroshi YOKOKAWA (JPN), Chair• Geoff GARDNER (NFI), Council Member

be needed to look at all the issues in each
The panel, which was established in 2019, is• Márton GYULAI (HUN), Member

primarily responsible for reviewing and making• Catherine JORDAN (BAR), Member

WAS Event Bid Evaluation Panelnominations to the Council for appointments• Jinaro KIBET (KEN), Member

In accordance with Rule 4 of the Event

to World Athletics bodies. Details of the• Rožle PREZELJ (SLO), Member

Bidding Rules, a Bid Evaluation Panel (BEP)

responsibilities, powers and duties of the• Miguel CARRIZOSA GALIANO (PAR),was established by Council to oversee theNominations Panel are set out in Rule 6 of thebid process, evaluate bids and recommend toGovernance Rules (Book B – 3.1 of the Book

• Brian ROE (AUS), Member

Council a host for each WAS event. Councilof Rules).

• M’Hammed RHAZLANE (MAR), Member

individual case and give approval.

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3.1 GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIPThe role of the NRP is to determine

questions on the rights and privileges thethe eligibility of an athlete to compete

athlete will be entitled to in their new country

representing a Member Federation in Nationalor territory. The NRP also discussed andRepresentative Competitions based on theagreed that an application fee as envisaged

criteria set out in the Eligibility to Represent ain the regulations be implemented. Council

Member Rules (now Eligibility Rules). In 2021

approved the recommended principles for thethe NRP, with input from the AIU, conducted

NRP to take forward to draft the amendmentsa review of the above rules, regulations, andinto the rules and regulations.

associated application procedure following theapplication of the rules since their introduction

In 2021, the NRP took 27 decisions, whichin 2018.

are summarised here on the website (Athlete
Transfer of Allegiance section).

Arising from its review, the NRP recommended
to Council the principles of improvements to2020 ANNUAL COUNCIL REPORT

the rules and regulations including, for example,

Council approved the 2020 Annual Council

that athletes can be requested at any time toReport including the 2020 audits on 5

provide documentation proving their eligibility;

September 2021, which was subsequently

that the NRP’s decision can be conditioned

circulated to all Member Federations (andand the NRP can decline an application if theapproved at Congress) and published on theimperatives are impinged; and that greater

website here.

scrutiny can be given to the documentation
submitted as part of an application.
In addition, to complement the proposed
improvements to the rules and regulations,
the NRP also recommended that theapplication procedure be improved to include
document checks carried out by the AIU; thatprior notification of the outgoing Member
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3.2 COMPETITION & EVENTS

3.2 COMPETITION& EVENTS• 31 Member Federations participatedfeaturing on the medal podium and 23 of• Teams from Cuba, Germany, Italy, thethose winning gold.

Netherlands, South Africa and Poland (host)WORLD ATHLETICS SERIES(WAS) COMPETITIONS AND

A key focus in 2021 was to ensure that as fullTokyo 2020 Olympic Games

196,457

World Athletics Championships Doha 2019

Olympic Gamesand 145 national records were set.

195,953

Rio 2016 Olympic Games

194,547

World Athletics Championships Beijing 2015

193,426

World Athletics Championships London 2017

• The tally of 43 countries on the medal tableattracted global audiences of 13.4m people,

is the biggest in athletics for more than 20

albeit slightly down on par with previous

years, underlining the diversity and depth

editions.

of talent in the sport. Across all Olympic• The biggest audiences came from US, China

be delivered for athletes despite the ongoingand Italy over the course of the two days.

medals, so almost 50% of those achieved

Covid-19 pandemic. This included two World

There were a further 310,000 views of

their dreams in athletics.

Athletics Series events and the Olympic Games.

the event on the World Athletics YouTube• For 12 teams – Bahamas, Bahrain, Botswana,channel and over 215,000 on Facebook.

Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Grenada, Jamaica,

sports at the Tokyo Games, 93 teams earned

Kenya, Morocco, Namibia, Puerto Rico andCompetition

Location

World Athletics
Relays

Chorzow,
Silesia, Poland

30 July – 8
AugustTokyo 2020
Olympic GamesTokyo, Japan

18 – 22
AugustWorld
Athletics U20
Championships

Nairobi, Kenya

1 – 2 May

197,115

records, 12 Olympic records, 28 area records

a programme of competitions and events could

Date(2021)

Event

secured qualification for the Tokyo 2020
• The World Athletics Relays in Silesia

OLYMPIC GAMES• Over 10 days of competition, three world

Score

TOKYO 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES

Uganda – athletics was their pathway to the

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were theOlympic podium.

most globally successful edition of the Games
for athletics. Postponed from 2020 due to theglobal pandemic, the athletics programme of the

Key statistics and highlights from these events

athletics at the Olympic Games.
• In total, athletes at the Games covered aTokyo Olympics took place between 30 Julycombined distance of 2,045,750 metres inand 8 August 2021.

track events and 10,737km in road events.

• A total of 1,913 athletes took part (1,012

Field eventers threw a combined distancemen and 901 women).

are set out below.

• Over 100 countries have now won a medal in• 197 Member Federations (including theAthlete Refugee Team (ART) and theof 1,508 metres and jumped a combined
distance of 2,490 metres.
• The Tokyo Olympic Games was also theWORLD ATHLETICS RELAYS,

Authorised Neutral Athletes (ANA)) werehighest quality major event in history, as per

SILESIA (POL)

represented in Tokyo.

the competition performance rankings:• A total of 384 athletes took part (203 men• A record 83 teams reached finals, highlighting

and 181 women)

the global reach of the sport, with 43 teams

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3.2 COMPETITION & EVENTSWORLD ATHLETICS U20• The Championships attracted global

World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing23

CHAMPIONSHIPS, NAIROBI (KEN)

audiences of 19.2m which is very comparable

The new dates for the World Athletics Indoor Championships to be held in Nanjing (CHN) are 17-19

Originally scheduled between 17-22 August,to former editions with record viewing figures

March 2023. The event had originally been awarded to Nanjing for the March 2020 edition, and had

the World Athletics U20 Championships began

across Kenya on KBC. There were also abeen postponed to March 2021 and then again to March 2023.

one day later on 18 August, due to the impact

further 1.74m views of the Championshipsof Covid on teams travelling and logistics ofon the World Athletics YouTube channel andWorld Athletics Half Marathon Championships Yangzhou 22

moving vital equipment around the world.

340,000 on Facebook.

In addition, the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships Yangzhou was postponed from 27
March 2022 to 13 November 2022.

• A total of 849 athletes took part (460 men
Key statistics and facts from the World Athletics

and 389 women)

U20 Championships can be accessed here.

• 114 Member Federations (including ART and

WAS Competitions awarded
In 2021, Council awarded five WAS events as follows:

ANA) were represented

FUTURE WAS COMPETITIONS• Four world U20, 11 area U20, 14
championships, 69 national U20 and 10

The following WAS events were postponed innational senior records were set during the2021 due to the continued health and safety

championships

measures, as well as travel restrictions put inplace by local governments to prevent the• 18 teams won gold medals, 35 won medals

spread of Covid-19.

and 63 had top eight finishes.
• Botswana, Finland, Nigeria and Kenya (host)were among the countries that had their best

World Athletics Cross Country

ever World Athletics U20 Championships.

Championships Bathurst23

Israel and Namibia won their first gold medals

Originally scheduled on 20 March 2021,

and Cyprus won its first medal

the event was initially postponed to 19
February 2022, and will now take place on• The championships were broadcast to more

18 February 2023.

than 70 countries around the world and every
other country had access to a livestream on
World Athletics YouTube channel. In Kenya,

Date

WAS competition

Location/ host

4-5 March 2022

World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships*

Muscat, Oman

30 Sept – 1 Oct 2023

World Athletics Road Running Championships

Riga, Latvia

13-14 May 2023

World Athletics Relays

Guangzhou, China

1-3 March 2024

World Athletics Indoor Championships

Glasgow, Great Britain

20-25 August 2024

World Athletics U20 Championships

Lima, Peru

* Minsk in Belarus was originally selected to host this event, but the Council decided to relocate the event given the uncertainties around diplomatic relations and international travel restrictions andimpact on the staging of the championships in Minsk.

Council postponed the award of the World Athletics Cross Country Championships 2024 and 2026 to 2022.
Across the previous three bid cycles of all WAS events (i.e., 21 WAS events) there were 23 candidate
city bids.
Event hosting challenges were compounded during the Covid-19 pandemic. Facing one of the mostthe local free-to-air broadcaster NTV had

uncertain geo-political landscapes since the 1940s, World Athletics made WAS event bidding a major

around one million viewers tune in to thepriority. Following changes in strategy and approach, in 2021 a record number of bids from candidate

championships each day

cities were received.

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3.2 COMPETITION & EVENTSIn 2021, there was an increase in the volume of bids by 250% compared to the past three bid

QUALIFYING PROCEDURES ANDWORLD ATHLETICS

cycles, with 19 candidate cities submitting bids across seven WAS events, as well as a total of 45

TIMETABLES

CHAMPIONSHIPS OREGON22 –expressions of interest. There was also an increase in the diversity of the candidate cities by 300%

In 2021, the qualifying procedures and/or

MIXED RELAYS

with bids submitted by 15 Member Federations.

timetables for the following WAS competitions

As both the preliminary heats and the final

were approved by Council with detailedof the mixed 4x400m relay are scheduled

There were five WAS events awarded by Council in 2021 and three of these events will be held

information circulated to Member Federations

on the first day of WCH Oregon22, Council

in new WAS event territories: Latvia, Oman and Peru demonstrating an expansion in global reach,and made available on the website:

approved to limit the number of substitutes

visibility and investment in the WAS events.

• World Athletics Race Walking Teamin the 4x400m mixed relays to a single

Championships Muscat22
The bidding calendar with the latest submission deadlines for future WAS events is set out here.

WAS COMPETITION CALENDAR

athlete to ensure the timetabling would• World Athletics U20 Championships Cali22

not disproportionally favour the Member• World Athletics Indoor Championships

Federations with significant depth in 400m if

Belgrade22

four substitutes were allowed.

• World Athletics Championships Oregon22

WAS EVENTS PRIZE MONEY REVIEW• World Athletics Cross Country

Date

WAS competition

Location/ host

1-2 May 2021

World Athletics Relays

Silesia, Poland

18-22 August 2021

World Athletics U20 Championships

Nairobi, Kenya

WORLD ATHLETICSand a revised structure approved by Council.

4-5 March 2022

World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships

Muscat, OmanCHAMPIONSHIPS OREGON22 –The revised structure includes:

18-20 March 2022

World Athletics Indoor Championships

Belgrade, Serbia

START OF THE QUALIFICATION• A revision to the World Athletics Relays

15-24 July 2022

World Athletics Championships

Oregon, USA

PERIOD UPDATED

prize money aimed at aligning the prize

1-6 August 2022

World Athletics U20 Championships

Cali, Colombia

The start of the qualification period for WCH

money for the World Athletics Relays with

13 November 2022

World Athletics Half Marathon Championships

Yangzhou, China

Oregon22 was postponed to 28 June 2021

other WAS events and ensuring a morewith all other deadlines remaining unchanged.

sustainable financial model for future local

18 February 2023

World Athletics Cross Country Championships

Bathurst, Australia

This affected all events except the marathons,organising committees with the goal to17-19 March 2023

World Athletics Indoor Championships

Nanjing, China

race walks, 10,000m, combined events andattract more host cities for the event.

13-14 May 2023

World Athletics Relays

Guangzhou, China

relays which had earlier starting dates and were

• An increase of the World Athletics

19-27 August 2023

World Athletics Championships

Budapest, Hungary

not impacted. The aim was to avoid any unfair

Championships prize money by

30 Sep – 1 Oct 2023

World Athletics Road Running Championships

Riga, Latvia

advantage for Member Federations who staged

USD968,000 and a reduction of the

1-3 March 2024

World Athletics Indoor Championships

Glasgow, Great Britain

events on the second national championships

prize money at the World Athletics Race

20-25 August 2024

World Athletics U20 Championships

Lima, Peru

window and, more specifically, on 27 June 2021.

Walking Team Championships (WRW) by

Championships Bathurst23

A review of the distribution of prize money
across the WAS competitions was undertaken

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3.2 COMPETITION & EVENTS

3.2 COMPETITION & EVENTSUSD280,000. The reduction of prize money

DELEGATE APPOINTMENTS

at the WRW was based on the removal of

In 2021, Council approved the delegate

the prize money for individual competitions
considering that race walkers compete forPanelsCurrent mandate

Proposal

appointments for the following events:

International Technical Officials (ITOs)

2018 to 2021

2018 to 2022

• World Athletics Indoor Championships

International Starters*2017 to 2021

2017 to 2022

International Photo Finish Judges*2017 to 2021

2017 to 2022

International Race Walking Judges

2019 to 2022

2019 to 2023

Belgrade 22

prize money at the biennial World Athletics• World Athletics U20 Championships Cali 22

Championships and given the WRW is
primarily a team event, and therefore the* The tenure of these two panels was extended by one year in 2019 so that their mandates would be the same as for the ITOs

team competition should be given priority.

A roadmap with clear targets and a timeline

The additional prize money at the Worldhas been developed to outline how the

The rationale for the extension was that with the pandemic and the situation worldwide in 2021,

Athletics Championships will be distibuted

ongoing concerns regarding area and gender

it has not been possible to train Technical Official Education Certification System (TOECS) Level

across the top eight-placed teams in

representation among international technicalII lecturers and therefore for the Areas to run their TOECS Level II courses to appoint Area ITOs;

each event.

officials will be addressed in the future. Thisand as a result, enable the selected officials to attend the World Athletics ITOs Evaluation which iswork is being led by the Development andan in-person assessment. The postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games and some of the WAS

Competition commissions.

events also meant that existing panel members are appointed to events in 2022, which would be

RACE WALK IN THE 2024
OLYMPIC PROGRAMME

after their mandate has expired.

Following the IOC decision to not include crossCouncil also approved a change to the existing

country and an additional race walk event inmandate periods for the International Technicalthe 2024 Olympic Games, and the request

Officials, International Starters, Internationalthat to ensure gender equity the men’s long

Photo Finish Judges and International Racerace walk should instead be a mixed event,

Walking Judges Panels, and a consequential

World Athletics has worked to develop a

adjustment in the timing of the evaluation andrace walk event that is able to feature both

appointment process, as follows:

men and women. Following consultation withdifferent stakeholders including the Athletes’
Commission, the Competition Commission, andthe race walk community, a proposal has beendeveloped for a mixed gender race walk event
which is being discussed with the IOC and is
pending their approval.

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3.2 COMPETITION & EVENTS

3.2 COMPETITION & EVENTSONE-DAY MEETINGS

Detailed results are available on the

The detailed calendar of competitions including

Wanda Diamond League

website here.

full results are available on the website here.

pandemic, the Wanda Diamond League managed

World Athletics Continental TourWorld Athletics Indoor Tourto stage a 2021 season that was almost

Launched in 2020, the aim of the World

The World Athletics Indoor Tour offeredcomplete, with only the two Chinese legs of theAthletics Continental Tour is to create aenhanced competition opportunities in 2021

circuit being cancelled (as a comparison, only

coherent global tour of the best internationalwith its biggest calendar yet, comprising 24

eight Diamond League meetings were staged in

one-day meetings outside of the Wanda

meetings spread across Europe and North2020). A total of 12 Diamond League meetings

Diamond League, reaching across every

America. Six Gold level meetings took place,therefore took place, culminating in the firstcontinental area. The tour comprises Gold, Silveralong with 10 Silver level meetings and eighttwo-day Final in Zürich, which showcased all 32

and Bronze level meetings spanning the globe

Bronze meetings.

Diamond Disciplines, following a championship-and held from February to December. The 2021

style model. Athletes scored points at theContinental Tour Gold series combined some

Overall, 711 male and 645 female athletesseries meetings to qualify for the final ofof the sport’s most venerable meetings withtook part in meetings of the World Indoor Tour

their discipline.

newer competitions that have already begun

in 2021. Three world, 11 area and 66 national

establishing impressive traditions of their own inrecords were set at the meetings.

Despite the ongoing challenges caused by the

The Final 3 Format, which was trialled

different regions of the world.
The detailed calendar including full results is set

throughout the 2021 season in horizontal jumps

out on the website here.

and in the throws, was not implemented in the

Despite some cancellations due to the

Final. The winner of each Diamond Discipline

pandemic, 69 World Athletics Continental

was awarded USD 30,000 prize money and a

Tour meetings were staged in 2021 (12 Gold,

Race Walking Challenge, Combined Eventswild card for the World Athletics Championships

16 Silver and 41 Bronze) compared to only

Challenge and Cross Country Challenge

Oregon22.

28 meetings in 2020. Overall, 2,912 male and

The Cross Country, Race Walking and

2,441 female athletes competed on the circuit

Combined Events Challenges were severely

Overall, 466 male and 427 female athletes

throughout the 2021 season. Two world, 12

affected by the pandemic in 2021 with only

competed in the Wanda Diamond League series

area and 100 national records were set atthree cross country, one race walking and fourin 2021. One world record was broken at a

Continental Tour meetings.

combined events competitions being staged aspart of the former Challenges series.

Wanda Diamond League meeting, as well as 13
area and 53 national records.

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3.2 COMPETITION & EVENTSThe one-day series of the world’s best crosscountry, combined events and race walking
meetings all moved to a three-tier World Tour
format from the end of November 2021. Adding

2022

IndoorOutdoorProtected
Window 1

26-27 February

25-26 June

Protected
Window 2

the final pieces to the jigsaw of the restructuring--

Athletics Cross Country Tour, Combined Events

2023

IndoorOutdoorProtected
Window 1

18-19 February

8-9 July

existing Challenge and Permit series with a moreglobal spread of fixtures.

Protected
Window 2

GLOBAL CALENDAR UNIT

29-30 July

ROAD RACES

to engage with Area Associations, Member

In 2021, 191 road races were granted a World

Federations, Meeting Directors and theAthletics Label at the beginning of the year;

Athletes’ Commission to identify the national

although the number of races that took placechampionships windows for both indoor andwas 84. The races were held in 50 countries andoutdoor seasons.

across all six areas.

The protected windows were confirmed for the

The impact of the pandemic on the 2021

period 2021-2023 as set out below:

season was therefore significant, with half of theProtected
Window 1

20-21 February

5-6 June

Protected
Window 2-

WORLD ATHLETICS LABELIn 2021, the Global Calendar Unit continued

Outdoor-results, are available on the website here.
The anti-doping programme (based on theframework) for Label Road Races initiated in
2020, was scaled back in 2021 to account forTour and Race Walking Tour will replace theIndoorRaces, including the calendar and competition

out-of-competition testing model and fundingof international athletics competitions, the World

2021

Information about the World Athletics Label Road

planned races not being staged in 2021. Several
races took place with only domestic fields, andin some cases with no elite field, due to travel
restrictions. As a result, the road race industry

26-27 June

has been hit hard by the pandemic; producing
events is much more expensive than before,
and countries with zero-Covid policies inparticular are where the sport is facing thegreatest challenges.

fewer competition opportunities for athletes,
and to avoid overburdening races financiallyconsidering the challenges of the economic
situation. USD 0.95m was however provided
through the anti-doping contribution from theroad races’ part of the programme. In 2021,
the total number of samples collected in the
dedicated out-of-competition programme stood
at 1,766 (it was 1,434 in 2019 and 1,151 in
2020). 302 athletes were part of the Registered
Testing Pool (RTP). The average number of tests
per year on an RTP athlete was 7.10 for thosein the top-40, and 3.43 for the others. A totalof USD 674,145 was invested in testing only.
20 specific road running legal cases for antidoping rule violations were initiated in 2021. On
the education front, an ‘’Education Pool’’ wasestablished, with 316 Label Athletes targeted.
10 sessions for athletes and four for athlete
support personnel were organised. Attendance
rate stood at 70%, and the drop-out rate was as
little as 2%.

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3.2 COMPETITION & EVENTSWORLD RECORDS IN 2021

The World Rankings competitions project will be• Placing Scores will only be awarded if there

In 2021, world records were set and ratified as follows:

implemented as a pilot project in 2022 and will

are a minimum of two athletes in the event,

be regularly assessed and reviewed before it isregardless of the category of competition.

Category

Men

Women

Mixed

Total

Outdoor

6

13

0

19

Indoor

3

1

0

U20

6

3

U20 Indoor

1

Total

16

proposed to be implemented in full in 2023.

Competition Categories
In addition, the Council approved amendments

Amendments to the category of some existing /4

to the World Rankings mechanisms (in force fromnew competitions have been agreed as follows:0

9

1 January 2022) as outlined below:• NCAA Outdoor Championships will now

3

0

4

• Track race walking events to be considered

20

0

36

as main events (like those conducted on theWorld records are listed on the World Athletics website here.

WORLD RANKINGS

award ranking points according to category B(was C)road) and will therefore score according to• NCAA Indoor Championships will now award

the same category for the purpose of world

ranking points according to category C

ranking points.

(was E)• 5km and 10km road race distances will be• Asian Grand Prix Series (one competition

included as similar events in 5000m andconducted over two days in two different

10,000m event groups respectively, with thevenues) will award ranking points according

The ‘Road to Tokyo’ online tool provided tracking of the qualification process for the Olympic Games.

following adjustments:

to category C

Searchable by discipline, country and qualification status, the tool provided a real time view of each- 5000m (or 5km) no longer a similar event

The World Rankings are available on the World Athletics website here.

event over the course of the Tokyo 2020 qualification period which ended on 29 June 2021.

• Mediterranean U23 Championships will award
ranking points according toto the 10,000m

the following:- World Athletics Cross Country

WORLD RANKINGS COMPETITIONS PROJECTChampionships no longer a similar event- Outdoor: D category

World Athletics undertook work in 2021 to review the formal definition of “International Competition”,

to the 10,000m- Indoor: E category

this being the common wording which correlates to World Athletics rules and regulations for• Area Permit Meetings (APM) will be- Consequently, results will only becompetition. The definition is appropriate for competitions sanctioned by World Athletics or Area

considered if achieved on properly

incorporated into the Continental Tour

Associations but the majority of those conducted at national level would not necessarily be coveredmeasured courses for which an

and labelled Continental Tour Challenger

by this formal definition, although the results are presently still processed by World Athletics.

international measurement certificate has

Series. They will still be conducted under the

been issued.

authority of the respective Area Associations

As a result, Council approved the introduction of the concept of “World Rankings Competitions”, anand will continue to award World Ranking

overarching category of competitions that will include all worldwide competitions, at all levels, capable

points according to category D.

of delivering events in full compliance with the World Athletics rules and regulations.

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3.2 COMPETITION & EVENTSCROSS COUNTRY RANKINGS

The World Masters Association Outdoor Championships scheduled for 2021 in Tampere, Finland, was

In 2021 World Athletics launched the Cross Country Tour and, in parallel, introduced the inaugural

postponed to 2022 due to the pandemic.

Cross Country World Rankings, which are now available in the World Rankings section of the website.
In ultra running, all 2021 major events were unfortunately cancelled. The International Association of
Due to the different nature and distances of cross country running, World Ranking points are

Ultrarunners (IAU) 24h World Championships, Romania was scheduled to take place on 2-3 Octoberawarded based on performance scores (which are dependent on the finishing positions only) and

2021 (also with a masters championships); and the 50km World Championships, Chinese Taipei, wasthe corresponding tables are available in the Cross Country Tour Regulations (and soon also in thedue to take place on 31 October 2021.

World Rankings Rules section). Athletes can score for the Cross Country World Rankings at any of thefollowing competitions, which are divided into four categories:

World Rankings Category

Competitions

GW

World Athletics Cross Country Championships

GL

Area Cross Country Championships
Cross Country Tour meetings (Gold level)

A

Cross Country Tour meetings (Silver level)

B

World Athletics Cross Country Championships – U20 races
Cross Country Tour meetings (Bronze level)
National Cross Country Championships
Other International Cross Country competitions (Pan Am, FISU, Balkan, etc.)

Only senior races score for the World Rankings with the only exception being the U20 races at theWorld Athletics Cross Country Championships.

TRAIL, MOUNTAIN, ULTRA AND MASTERS
The inaugural World Mountain & Trail Running Championships initially scheduled for November 2021
in Chiang Mai, Thailand, was postponed to 3-6 November 2022. The preparations remain underway.
The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) Mountain Running World Cup took place successfullyin 2021, and out of 16 scheduled events only one did not take place. WMRA also held the 20th editionof the World Masters Mountain Running Championships, and a ‘Nations Cup’ (a small World Cup).

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3.3 DEVELOPMENT

3.3 DEVELOPMENT
World Athletics supports Member Federations and Area Associations in the global growth anddevelopment of athletics through the provision of financial grants and delivery of education initiatives
and technical services and guidance.
The Executive Board approved budget for grant support for Member Federations and Area
Associations in 2021 is set out below. Actual grant expenditure in 2021 was less than budgeted dueto the impact of the Covid-19 global pandemic on the delivery of competitions and, education anddevelopment initiatives by the Member Federations and Areas.
Further detail is provided of actual expenditure in the 2021 Audited Financial Statements at
Appendix A of this report.

AREA ASSOCIATIONS
Area2021 Area Association Grants (USD)
Administration

Competition

Development

Total

Africa300,000

634,500

800,000

1,734,500

Asia

250,000

395,000

380,000

1,025,000

Europe250,000

531,500

250,000

1,031,500

NACAC

250,000

475,000

210,000

935,000

Oceania

200,000

375,000

216,000

791,000

South America

200,000

430,000

180,000

810,000

1,450,000

2,841,000

2,036,000

6,327,000

Total

A total budget of USD 6,327,000 was initially allocated to the six Area Associations in 2021.

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Area Administration grant

Global Distribution of 2021 Area

In addition, 20 area championships were organised

Area Development grant

The purpose of the Area Administration grant isCompetition grant per category

in 2021 (and a total of USD 506,317 invested to

The Area Development grant is used to support

to assist Area Associations to operate including,

support delivery of these important competitions),

the delivery of education and development infor example, support to maintain a permanent

including one indoor championships, one senioreach of the Areas primarily through the Area

office as a headquarters and to defray costs

championships, two U18 championships, two U20

Development Centres (ADCs). Each of the Areas

championships, three U23 championships, one age

determine which activities to organise using thegroup (U13 & U15) championships, two race walk

Area Development grant based on the needs ofchampionships, two cross country championships,

their Member Federations, with World Athletics

one combined events, one marathon, twoproviding an oversight role.

such as rent, utilities, communications, website,

34%“One Day” Meets

staff salaries, and institutional meetings. A total

Area Championships
Regional Championships

57%

of USD 1,450,000 was provided to the Areas

9%for this purpose in 2021.

half-marathon, one throwing cup and one

Area Competition grant

As illustrated, in 2021, the grant was primarily

The purpose of the Area Competition grant

used by the Areas to support delivery of one-is to support the organisation and delivery

day meetings, including Continental Tour Silverof competitions at continental level, namely

and Bronze events, grand prix series events,

area championships, regional and internationalroad circuits and international meetings. Area

competitions, and one-day Continential

Championships (senior or age groups acrossTour meetings.

different disciplines) were delivered in SouthAmerica, Europe, Oceania and NACAC but had

As in 2020, due to the global Covid-19

to be cancelled or postponed to 2022 in Africa

pandemic, the competition calendar wasand Asia.

significantly impacted. Most of the competitions
scheduled in Asia, Africa and Oceania wereIn total, the competition grant supported thecancelled in 2021, but all Areas were still able todelivery of 102 competitions across each of thedeliver a reduced competition programme. As asix Areas, offering competition opportunities

result, a total of USD 1,507,420 was provided

for more than 6,500 athletes. Of the 73 one-to the Areas for competitions in 2021.

day meetings staged, this included support foreight World Athletics Continental Tour Silver, 25Bronze, 37 area permit meetings/grand prix andthree international competitions.

The Areas are responsible for the day-to-day

team championships.

management of the ADCs in their respective
The following area regional or pan-regional

region and for the selection of educational

championships were also supported:coaching courses and seminars organised by• African Western Region Grand Prix,these ADCs. Two activities remain mandatory
each year: women’s and youth.

Kaduna (NGR)• Central Asia Open Championships,

In 2021, due to the ongoing pandemic 95% of

Tashkent (UZB)

activities were once again conducted online,• Small States of Europe Competition, San

similar to 2020 with in-person meetings andMarino (SMR)• CADICA Race Walking & Cross Country

seminars more limited. The online format led toChampionships, Guatemala City (GUA)an overall reduction in expenditure, with reduced
budgets across most Areas. As a result, in total• CADICA Senior Championships, San

USD 1,498,400 was provided to the Areas

José (CRC)

through the development grant in 2021.

• CADICA U18 & U20 Championships,
Managua (NCA)• CADICA U13 & U15 Championships,
Managua (NCA)• PanAm Race Walking Cup, Guayaquil (ECU)

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SUMMARY OF THE ADCS STATUS IN 2021

Key points regarding the activities delivered
through the ADCs using the 2021 Area

Area

ADC and 2021 course/activity details

Development grant include:• Due to the majority of activities being

AfricaAsia

Europe

NACAC

OceaniaSouth America

Total of seven ADCs (Togo, Zambia, Nigeria, Mauritius, Dakar, Nairobi and Cairo)• Four of the ADCs (Togo, Zambia, Nigeria and Mauritius) are dedicated athlete training centres andare subsidised through other partners. In total 67 athletes (primarily local) train at these centres(13 in Togo, 13 in Zambia, 22 in Nigeria and 19 in Mauritius)• Dakar delivers education activities (11 courses delivered in 2021 – two in-person) and athletes
training for 15 athletes. Courses included sport sciences, CECS Level II jumps, coaching andtechnical officials, administration and gender leadership• Nairobi delivers education activities (five courses delivered in 2021, all online). Courses included
TOECS and CECS Level I lecturers refreshers, administration and gender leadership• Cairo delivers education activities (10 courses delivered in 2021, all online) and athletes
training for five local athletes. Courses included biomechanics, coaching, road races and genderleadership. Cairo is shared between Africa and Asia
Total of three ADCs (Beijing, Jakarta and Cairo)• All ADCs deliver only education activities• All 2021 courses were delivered online• Beijing delivered seven educational activities including high performance training, road races,
injury and rehabilitation, and biomechanics courses and a virtual coaches club at the Tokyo 2020
Olympic Games• Jakarta delivered 12 educational activities including sports medicine, anti-doping, coaching, roadraces, and gender leadership courses• Cairo activities are as detailed above (Cairo is shared with Africa)• Programme of education activities also includes outreach CECS and TOECS education projects in
Member Federations and activities for the Russian speaking Member Federations of Asia
Mobile ADC at Area headquarters in Lausanne which delivered education activities online and in theMember Federations• 14 courses and forums were delivered (all online) in 2021 including a coaching summit series, ahigh performance webinar series, a running and mass participation webinar series and a leadershipprogramme• EA supplements this development grant to deliver activities
Mobile ADC at the Area headquarters in the Bahamas, which delivers education activities online andin Member Federations• Four activities delivered all online, including gender leadership, coaching conferences and atechnical officials outreach programme for the Spanish speaking Member Federations
One ADC at the Area headquarters on the Gold Coast, which delivers education activities online, at
the ADC and in Member Federations• Nine courses delivered in 2021 (two in-person) including governance, competition management,coaching and technical officials, nutrition, Kids’ Athletics and gender leadership• ADC also supports athletes training for five athletes

online, there was limited delivery of Coach
Education Certification System (CECS) andTechnical Officials Education Certification
System (TOECS) courses through the ADCs.
• The Areas delivered a broad range of topics
online including coaching, technical officials,
biomechanics, road races, gender leadership,competition management, administration,
sports medicine, anti-doping and nutrition.
• 83 courses were delivered across the ADCs
in total in 2021.
• The online format allowed more people
to take part and the total number of ADC
course participants increased slightly (4%)
from 9,256 in 2020 to 9,621 in 2021.
• 2021 also saw an increase in the percentage
of female participants on courses (up from
39% in 2020 to 47% in 2021).
• The total number of Member Federations
involved in courses and activities delivered
through the ADCs in 2021 was 208, which
is 97% of the World Athletics membership.

One ADC in Santa Fe which delivers education activities online, at the ADC and in Member
Federations• 11 courses delivered in 2021 all online including anti-doping, road races, gender leadership andcounselling and support for competitions in Ecuador, Peru and Paraguay

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3.3 DEVELOPMENT

MEMBER FEDERATIONS

2021 MFG Overall distribution

A total of 37 applications (11 in Africa, five

Member Federation grant

per categoryin Asia, two in Europe, six in NACAC, 11 in

The Member Federation grant (MFG) supports federations to deliver their basic administrative

Oceania and two in South America) werefunctions and operations and to meet their member obligations. In 2021, a total of 119 Member

received from Member Federations. Up to USD

Federations were eligible for the MFG of USD 15,000 and 115 Member Federations benefited18%

20,000 per project was provided. Overall, 100

Administration ofFederationfrom the grant, as detailed below:

39%

MFs benefited from the AOD grant in 2021,

Organisation of National
Championships

resulting in a total distribution of AOD funding

Participation in
Regional/Continental

Area

43%

2021 Member Federation grant
Number of eligible
MFs

Total (USD)

Number of MFs who
received the grantof USD 1,573,536.

Championships

As illustrated, at a global level the majority of

Total amount(provided) (USD)

the AOD projects were focused on athletes’

Africa46

690,000

45

641,500*

As in 2020, the grant was mainly used by

Asia

16

240,000

15

220,000*

Member Federations to support delivery ofEurope11

165,000

11

165,000NACAC

19285,000

19

231,500*

Oceania18

270,000

16

210,000*

South America

9135,0009

122,600*

Total

119

1,785,000

115

1,590,600* It should be noted that some Member Federations did not receive the entire grant due to underspending of the MFG paid in 2020 and four eligible Member Federations did not apply for the grantin 2021.

support (28%), education (26%) and youth andgrassroots programmes (24%).

the national championships and to meet theiradministration needs and in a more limited way

Overall distribution of 2020-21 AOD(because of the cancellation/postponement ofcompetitions) for participation in regional andcontinental championships.

24%

28%

Athletes Support
Education
Equipment

Athletics Olympic Dividend

Development of

9%

The Athletics Olympic Dividend (AOD) is

Competitions Structures
Youth and Grassroots

13%

a project-based grant available to eligible
Member Federations to support delivery of theirindividual strategic growth priorities. Following
the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, which
prevented many eligible Member Federations
from applying for the AOD 2020-21 grant due
to domestic restrictions, the application phase
was re-opened and extended to allow Member
Federations to apply for a one-year project in
2021, which could run through to mid-2022.

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AOD GRANT CASE STUDIES• second place in the medals table at thelink between schools and clubs and providing

With the AOD funds, the Federation organised

The following case studies provide examples ofWestern African Junior and Senior Athletics

a high-quality initial experience in athletics.

new competitions called “Festivales desuccessful 2020-2021 AOD projects.

Championships based on winning a total

In addition, following the Kids’ Athletics

Atletismo” every weekend, each time focusingof 28 medals (15 gold, six silver and sevendelivery in schools a two-day competition

on a different discipline (throws and jumps,

bronze) – the highest ever medal tally

was organised for athletes aged 14 and 15,

sprint and hurdles, middle distance and• two athletes qualified for the World Athletics

selected through the schools and clubs,

steeplechase). These events had the impact

U20 Championships in Nairobi (Nemata

where 88 athletes participated with equalof bringing back some athletes who had

Nikiema in the women’s 100m and Madina

representation of both sexes.

stopped training and competition because of

Fédération Burkinabé d’Athlétisme:
Preparation and participation of the national
elite athletes in competitions (athletes’ support)
The purpose of the project was to provide

the Covid-19 pandemic and added 50 new

Toure in the women’s 100m hurdles).

Federación Paraguaya de Atletismo:an enhanced preparation programme forregistered athletes.

elite athletes to improve their performances

Malaysia Athletic Federation:

Youth and children school athletics

in national, regional, continental andYouth and grassroots development (education;

championships (development of competition

The project also supported the identification ofinternational competitions. Training camps

youth and grassroots programmes)

structure; youth and grassroots programmes)

talented athletes and the build up of the teams

were organised and opportunities provided

for the South American Games and the Southfor athletes to participate in national and

The overall project aim was to create a

The aim of the AOD project was to develop a

regional competitions in order to reach thestrong structure for grassroots and youth

schools’ athletics competition structure to offer

qualifying standards for the African Senior

development through the delivery of education

opportunities for children to compete throughDue to Covid-19, the Federation was unable

Championships and the World Athletics

courses for Kids’ Athletics activators to

the school structure and provide a pathway

to organise schools’ athletics championships

U20 Championships.

improve the quality of Kids’ Athletics coaching

to join clubs and continue their progression inas scheduled but instead “Track and Field

and delivery, and to also organise a grassroots

athletics and increase the number of registered

Discovery Days” for young people aged 13 to

The AOD grant enabled the Federation tocompetition bringing together teenagers fromathletes in Paraguay.

17 and “Kids’ Athletics Days” for children agedorganise four training camps and for theacross the country.

American Youth Games (U18) in 2022.

athletes to participate in national and regional
competitions during which the following results

The AOD funds contributed to the organisation

were achieved:of nine Kids’ Athletics activators courses which• 26 personal bests

led to the training of more than 400 activators• five national records(30% female), mostly teachers from primary and• eight qualifying marks for the African Seniorsecondary schools. These activators are now

Championships (which unfortunately wereable to deliver the Kids’ Athletics programmecancelled in 2021)

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six to 12 were organised to again provide anof 29 athletes participated, and the Federation

athletics and engaging and educating teachers

Federación Nicaragüense de Atletismo:

introduction to the sport and to encourage

was fifth in the team standings, winning gold inand parents to increase the number of people

Detection and development of talents in

new and more young people and children to

the men’s 400m hurdles. The athletes achieved

trained to deliver Kids’ Athletics and initial

the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua

participate in athletics.

nine PBs, four season’s bests and two national

athletics coaching sessions.

(athlete’s support)

The Federation worked with the ministry of

The aim of the project was to identify and

The project then continued with theeducation to introduce Kids’ Athletics into the

support talented athletes from the Caribbean

organisation of training camps to prepare

curriculum of eight primary schools engaging

coast of Nicaragua, a region that faces

athletes for the World Athletics Indoor

with 707 children and three secondary schools

multiple social, economic, political, cultural,Championships and the Balkan Indoor

engaging with 320 teenagers from two islands

infrastructural and environmental challenges.

Championships held in early 2022. The(Rarotonga and Aitutaki). Overall, 140 children

The project aimed to identify athletes from thefollowing results were achieved:

aged between five and 13 participated in

U18 and U20 categories and provide them

• World Athletics Indoor Championships,

the new Kids’ Athletics competition, whichwith the necessary support to increase theAthletic Federation of Bosnia

Belgrade: one athlete participated in thegiven its success will now be held annually.

overall levels of participation and performance& Herzegovina:

men’s shot put final and ended up in eighth

Four new sponsorships were secured withof the national team in senior competitions.

Improving athletics through preparation camps

place with a throw of 20.94m out of

local businesses, which will help to support(athletes’ support)

18 competitors

the ongoing delivery of Kids’ Athletics. The

At the Central American Senior Championships,• Balkan Indoor Senior Championships, Turkey:

Federation also trained 36 Kids’ Athletics

20% of the participating athletes were fromThe objective of the project was to organise

three athletes participated (two men, one

facilitators, namely teachers, coaches andthe talent programme and Caribbean coast andtraining camps to enable the federation to

woman) and the federation finished 11th

parents, and organised a CECS Level 1 course

60% were U18 and U20 athletes. In addition

develop and select their best athletes tooverall with a gold medal in the men’s 800m.

which certified six new coaches.

to increasing participation and engagement

records. The objective was achieved.

participate in the major competitions in 2021

of Caribbean coast U18 and U20 athletes,and 2022.
To start, the Federation focused on developing

Athletics Cook Islands Inc.:

this project also supported the performance

Tupuanga – Grass to track (education, andimprovement of athletes through the delivery

youth and grassroots programmes)of the dedicated training and development

and supporting the preparation of athletes

programmes.

to participate in the European TeamThe project aim was to broaden the delivery

Championships (third league), one of the mostof grassroots development activities by

100m men, 200m men, 400m men (U20),

important events for the Federation in 2021.

introducing Kids’ Athletics as part of the school

400m hurdles women (U20), 10,000m, race

Following the dedicated training camps, a total

curriculum and by involving local businesses inwalk men (U18) and pole vault men (U18).

• National records were established in the2021 ANNUAL COUNCIL REPORT

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3.3 DEVELOPMENT

The President encouraged each Member

In recognition of the engagement with these

Additional Member Federation

for the World Athletics U20 Championships

Federation to focus on delivering the following

goals and contribution of Member Federations

financial support

in Nairobi and made the semifinal.

five goals in 2021:

to delivery of the Strategy for Growth, a total

In addition to the above grants are the

1. More Participationof USD 50,000 was split between the threestandard travel and accommodation benefits

Member Federations (to reflect the diversity

provided to Member Federations linked to their• One athlete reached the qualifying standard• Nicaragua finished second in the medals
table at the Central American U18 and U20- Each Member Federation toChampionships winning 71 medals (24 gold,

incrementally increase participation atof the membership) who best delivered

participation in WAS competitions which in

26 silver and 21 bronze) against a fifth placeeither grassroots or elite level or both.

against the goals. The successful federations

2021 included:

were the Fédération Togolaise d’Athlétisme,• World Athletics Relays: for all athletes within

2. More People

in the previous edition in 2019 with only
16 medals (four gold, five silver andSchweizerischer Leichtathletik-Verband

the quota –number of people taking these courses,

and UK Athletics. All federations have been

- Travel: 100% of an economy class airline

using their numbers from 2019 as theencouraged to continue to drive initiatives inticket from the Member Federation

start point rather than from 2020.

these areas.

headquarters to the official airport- Each Member Federation to double theseven bronze).
• Nicaragua finished sixth in the medals
table at the Central American Senior

3. More Fans

Championships winning seven medals (onegold, two silver and four bronze) against- Each Member Federation to participate ina seventh place in the previous edition in

two of the campaigns created in 2021.

- Accommodation: full board during thefour-night official period• World Athletics U20 Championships: for all

4. More Partnerships

2020 with only one silver medal.

athletes within the quota –- Travel: 100% of an economy class airline- Each Member Federation to secure one

MEMBER FEDERATION CHALLENGE

ticket from the Member Federation

meaningful partnership in 2021.
5. More Inspiration

During the online Member Federation

headquarters to the official airport

Information Session on 27 January 2021,- Each Member Federation to take their

the President emphasised the importance toathletes attending the Tokyo Olympic

Member Federations of being ready to makeGames into schools (or if not applicable,

the most of what will be an extraordinary fivetake national champions or elite high-As the World Athletics Congress was online inyears for our sport, and the role all Member

performance athletes).

2021, the standard travel and accommodation- Accommodation: full board during theeight-night official period.

Federations can play in growing the wholefor one Member Federation representative tosport across the four pillars of the World

attend was not applicable.

Athletics Strategic Plan: More Participation,
More People, More Fans, More Partnerships.

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3.3 DEVELOPMENTOVERALL DISTRIBUTION OF

However, compared to 2020, and despite

GRANT FUNDING TO AREAS AND

the pandemic, many more competitions

MEMBER FEDERATIONS

were delivered and this is reflected in the

In total grant funding of USD 7,669,906 was

distribution of funds for competitions, which

provided to Areas and Member Federations

makes up a third of all grant funding in 2021.

(comprising the Area Administration grant,

Administration funding as a proportion ofArea Competition grant, Area Development

overall grant distribution remains high as

grant, Member Federation grant, and Athletics

these grants were paid out in full to the Areas

Olympic Dividend) in 2021. The distribution of

to ensure the Areas could continue to fully

this funding across the seven main categories

operate and had limited impact due toof activity is illustrated below.

the pandemic.

As in 2020, the total grant funding distributed

2021 Overall distribution of grants

in 2021 is less than budgeted due to theglobal pandemic’s impact on the delivery of

3%competitions and development of activities.

7%

Most of the education programmes were still

11%

5%
Area Administration

32%

MF Administration
Competitions
Educationdelivered online and the majority of in-person

Athlete Development
Equipment

meetings were postponed or cancelled and34%

for this reason the distribution of funding for

8%

Youth & Grassroots
Programmes

education in 2021 is still lower than it would bein a normal year.

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MEMBER FEDERATION

ELEARNING

athletics. At the end of the course, coaches

Content that is being progressed and is under

INFO SESSIONSThe educational vision of World Athletics is towill be able to competently progress fromdevelopment to be published in 2022:

World Athletics continued to build on theestablish a single source of information for the

kids’ to teens’ athletics training.

• Safeguarding course: This online course

steps taken in 2020 to improve connectivity

global athletics community through the World• Race emergency medicine course:

will support the delivery of the Kids’

with Member Federations and the sharing ofAthletics eLearning platform, the Education

combining online theory (five modules) andAthletics programme. It consists of five short

information through the delivery of Member

Hub. The primary objective of the platform ispractice, with the objective of providing

interactive modules provided at this stage

Federation Information Sessions at least once

to build a stronger learning experience whereparticipants with the ability to manage

in four languages (English, French, Simplified

a month. 17 online sessions were delivered

there can be meaningful engagement withvarious health-related scenarios during mass

Chinese and Spanish).

in 2021.

the athletics community. The Education Hub

endurance events. Workshops are organised

provides everyone in the world of athletics

in conjunction with major road races andcourse provides an overview of World

The Member Federation Info Sessions covered

with the opportunity to access standardised,World Athletics events, to give participants

Athletics’ Ethical Compliance Rules including

topics such as gender equity, Kids’ Athletics,

engaging and user-friendly content at their

the opportunity to visit the medical set-up

bribery and corruption, conflicts of interest,

Council and competitions updates, anti-doping,own pace; offering a flexible approach toand observe the work done by the hosting

gifts and good practices in elections.

the World Plan, and the Global Conversation

learning and increasing accessibility across the

medical staff during the race.

campaign. There was also a technical rehearsal

Member Federations and Area Associations.

for Congress voting delegates and participants• Ethical compliance course: This six-module• Technical officials apprentice, TOECS• Gender leadership course: comprised of

Level I and CECS Level I courses, which

seven modules and a pre-course module.

are currently all available on the platform

to explain and test the use of the online

The following content was published on the

The objective of the course is to develop

in English will be translated into Frenchplatform during the Congress & Convention.

platform in 2021:

the confidence, skills and expertiseand Spanish.

The Member Federation Info Sessions had• TOECS Level I course: 13 online modules

to empower women to take on seniornearly 1,000 attendees and more than 74%

aimed at Member Federations but openof Member Federations attended at least one

to all. This course provides participantssession in 2021.

with the theoretical and practical training

During 2021 the platform also underwent

required to make them capable of officiatingsome key user experience improvements

In addition to the MF Info Sessions, seven roadat national level competitions and atincluding the addition of the webinar library,In line with the eLearning content strategy,

race webinars were organised during 2021.

international competitions held within

which hosts all past conferences and webinars

which was developed with input from theMore than 500 participants attended thosetheir country.

including our Gender Equity and Coaching

Development Commission, the platform

Matters series.

will continue to be regularly updated withwebinars and on average there were 300 sign-• CECS Level I course: 31 mandatory online

ups for each webinar. All webinars were open

modules aimed at Member Federations but

to the public and included race organisers andopen to all. This course provides the “bridge”

technical officials.

from World Athletics Kids’ Athletics to ‘real’• Administration course: this online course

leadership roles within the sport.

will help Member Federations with key
administration skills and help develop anunderstanding of World Athletics’ practices.

innovative and engaging on-demand content.

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3.3 DEVELOPMENT

3.3 DEVELOPMENT

KIDS’ ATHLETICS• Level 1: 4–7 years

A priority of the World Athletics Strategy for• Level 2: 8–11 years

Growth is “to ensure that school-age children• Level 3: 12-14 years

around the world have the opportunity to try
our sport by delivering a best in class kids’

Level 2 content was developed first as theathletics programme. A key focus in 2021 wastarget audience (children aged eight to 11)

to conduct a comprehensive review and refresh

had the highest known participation numbers

and develop the new Kids’ Athletics programmein schools. The new content was tested andwhich was launched in November 2021.

piloted with selected MFs and following
feedback, the following resources

The updated Kids’ Athletics programme iswere completed:designed to use the power of athletics to inspire• Introduction to athletics resources - Firstchildren and young people, wherever they

Moves and Kids’ Athletics Passport

are, to be more active, develop their skills and• Level 2 core content - Fundamental

confidence, and to connect with the sport

Movement and Athletics Skills activity cards

for life.

• Practitioner guide and Member
Federation handbook

The development phase began in April 2021,• Promotional videos

which included digital/web design, content
development and promotional films. The

These resources were all launched on the

new Kids’ Athletics programme brief was to

new Kids’ Athletics website in November

be flexible and easily adaptable to different

2021. They were launched in four languages

environments, meaning it could be implemented– English, French, Spanish and Chinese. The

without the need of specialist equipment andcontent was also presented during a MF info

instead offer sustainable alternatives. The new

session in November and at the Convention

programme also needed to be relevant to alinked with the 2021 Congress.

wider range of children and young people
around the world. This resulted in the content
being developed across the following threelevels to target different ages and abilities:

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3.3 DEVELOPMENT

3.3 DEVELOPMENT

Safeguarding was a key part of the Kids’

The online format enabled more women to take

Athletics programme development. This waspart, with a total of 456 women benefiting

to ensure the safe and effective delivery offrom the seminar in 2021 as opposed to 380

the Kids’ Athletics programme, aligned to thein 2020.

World Athletics Safeguarding Policy. For Kids’

Number of CECS courses by Area:

Level II

Level II Middle/
Long & RW

Area

Level I

Africa20

1

1Athletics, safeguarding best practice has been

CECS and TOECS

Asia

23

-

-

fully incorporated into the programme.

In terms of the Coach Education andEurope0--

Certifications System (CECS) and the Technical

NACAC

0

-

-

Oceania0--South America

4

-

-

Total

47

1

1

Level 1 and 3 content will be developed

Officials Education and Certification System

in 2022 along with additional supporting(TOECS) courses, figures of the 2021 courses

documents and video resources. The intention

shared below show increase in course delivery

is also to translate all course content into

compared to 2020 as restrictions relating tomultiple additional languages to support

the pandemic were eased and due to a moreengagement and delivery of the programme.

flexible approach of blended delivery, which

In line with the World Plan, the aim is to havecombines both remote and onsite courses.

implemented Kids’ Athletics into 70 Member

Among the 47 CECS courses, 16 were

Federations by the end of 2022.

conducted remotely. However, 30 out of the
31 of the TOECS courses took place on-site,

EDUCATION COURSES

with only one being conducted remotely. This

Gender Leadership webinars

is mostly due to a larger panel of national

The purpose of the gender leadership series

TOECS lecturers allowing Member Federationsof webinars was to provide the skills andto organise courses locally without the need toexpertise to empower women to take on

invite a lecturer from abroad.

senior leadership roles within their Member
Federation as well as at a regional and global

In 2021, the following education courses werelevel. The gender leadership material wasdelivered by World Athletics.

successfully delivered online through theAreas and the webinar format has become thepreferred medium due in part to the continuing
pandemic and the ability to reach more women.

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3.3 DEVELOPMENT

Numbers of CECS participants and lecturers:

Number of TOECS courses by Area:Type

Course

Men

%

Women

%

Total

PassedArea

TOECS Level I

TOECS Level II

CECS
Level I
course

47

814

78

234

22

1,048

1,005

Africa

13

-

Asia

7

-

CECS
Level II
course1Europe

4

-

NACAC

3

-

CECS
Level I
Lecturer/
Refresherseminar1

Oceania0-South America

4

-

Total

31

0

CECS
Level I
Lecturers
seminar

0

-

-

-

-

-

-

CECS
Level II
Lecturers
seminar

0

-

-

-

-

-

-

CECS
Level II/III
Lecturers
seminar

0

Total

49

12

21

-

80

3

92

2

-

-

847

239

20

8

-

15

23

-

1,086

10

-

Numbers of TOECS participants and lecturers:

Type

Course

Men

%

Women

%

Total

PassedTOECSLevel I
course

31

410

69

188

31

598

427

TOECS
Level I
Lecturerseminar

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

TOECS
Level I
Lecturer/
Refresherseminar

1

16

76

5

24

21

-

Total

32

426

619

427

-

1,015

193

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3.3 DEVELOPMENT

3.3 DEVELOPMENTGLOBAL ATHLETICS COACHES• Preparing and building a coaching

ACADEMY (GACA)

development workforce at Area and Member

GACA is an independent advisory bodyFederation level.

and coaches’ network that works with

• Setting professional standards for coaching.

the Development Commission and HQ in• Recognition of coaching achievements

addressing and progressing athletics related

through supporting the nomination andcoaching matters. There is cooperation andselection process for the World Athleticsalignment in education, activities and initiatives

Coaching Achievement Award 2021.

that support the development of coaching andthe work to ensure the voice of the coaches isbeing reflected.
Key priorities for GACA that have been
progressed in 2021 in partnership with theDevelopment Commission and HQ include:• Identifying the serving coaches’ community• Bringing the coaches’ community together
through two virtual coaches’ clubs, one
during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gamesand one during the World Athletics U20
Championships Nairobi 21.
• Coach education and development
through the delivery of quarterly Coaching
Matters webinar series. Coach integrity,
safeguarding, diversity and well-being werethe main themes in 2021.
• Identifying coaches’ development needs
through undertaking online surveys, almost
1300 replies were collected.

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3.4 COMMUNICATIONS

3.4 COMMUNICATIONS

3.4 COMMUNICATIONSWorld Athletics Communications 2021 in numbers
World Athletics coverage in mainstream and social media(14,306 articles / 6.4b reach)

Worldathletics.org 30 NOV 2020 - 28 NOV 2021

1 Jan 2021 - 31 OCT 2021

13

MillionUsers

23

MillionSessions

56

MillionPageviews

World Athletics Social Media 30 NOV 2020 - 28 NOV 2021

Top 5 sport events

ArticlesTop 5 athletes topics articles Articles

Coverage

Olympic Games 2020/2021
Wanda Diamond League
WA Championships
WA Continental TourWA Indoor Tour

7,488
929
789
407
211

Effects of pandemic
Doping issues
Reinstatement of RusAF
World Records
Shoe technology

United Kingdom
United States
India
RussiaChina

Press Conferences

2020
1,311,110
likes

331,566
likes

1,811,645
followers

664,000
subscribers

3,000,000
followers

+23%

+14%

+173%

+57%

+131%

Total social media fanbase

2021

Press Releases

2020

2,018
1,545
562
449
410

President Interviews
1 Jan 2021 - 31 Oct 2021

media
interviews in

Share of Voice & Tonality
ITF
FIBA 2% FINA
2% FMBUCI 2%
2% FIG
2%
1%
World Rugby
3%
World
Athletics
4%

2021

FIFA
61%
Negative
3%

IOC
23%

Positive
16%

Share of coverageby federationdifferent
countries

Neutral81%

Share of tonality

Media Operations & Others
Media Development Programme during the WU20 Nairobi with 10 participants
Accredited Media: WU20 Nairobi 91 (54 National) / WRE Silesia : 89 (58 National)
Remote Mixed Zone for WRE Silesia, WU20 Nairobi & the 11 DL 11 CTG meetings

19%
13%
8%
7%
7%

Accredited media for the 13 CTG Meets: 405 journalists & 299 photographers
8,257 followers on the World Athletics LinkedIn page vs 6,599 in 2020 (+25%)
100k+ view for the COP26 Climate Change video by our athletes.

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3.4 COMMUNICATIONS

3.4 COMMUNICATIONS

The communications strategy for 2021 was toand funds cemented athletics as the number 1

implemented to raise awareness of the survey

traditions and shining a spotlight on women’s

grow our sport by attracting new audiences

Olympic sport. Highlights from the Internationaland encourage as many people as possible tostories across its platforms. The campaign wasand creating deeper relationships with core

Olympic Committee’s independent researchengage. Dedicated PR support was provided

supported by Twitter who created a bespokefans through best-in-class news, storytellingfrom the Games showed:

directly to 20 Member Federations to kickemoji and put some paid social media behindand reporting. Media coverage generated• Athletics recorded the Highest number ofstart the campaign in each area. Over 25,000

it. Many of the Member Federations and Areas

during the year had a reach of 6.4bn people

broadcast viewing hours (2.2m) of any sport

responses were received from 178 countries

joined the campaign and our Council Members

and World Athletics’ social media channels allat the Tokyo Olympic Games.

resulting in some clear direction for the

stepped in to do a range of media interviews.

development of the World Plan.

Over 200 articles were written with coverage

grew substantially during the year to reach a• The largest number of media articles weretotal fanbase of 7.1m. Instagram and TikTok

written about athletics (10k).

in every continent.
International Women’s Day (IWD) saw thesaw particularly impressive growth with World• Athletics also saw the highest number ofAthletics’ TikTok growing to 3 million followers

shared articles across social media (700m)

launch of a new #WeGrowAthletics campaign

ONLINE ABUSE STUDY

making it the number 1 followed TikTokleading to over 62m conversations on social

designed to build on the strides the sport has

In support of one of the pledges for IWD,

account in sport.

media around athletics, andtaken towards greater gender equality.

World Athletics commissioned a study to

As part of the launch, World Athletics madeidentify the level of abuse our athletes are• The highest number of video views across
There were two core pillars to thethe IOC and Tokyo Olympic Gamesa number of pledges to commit to further

subjected to online. The study was carried out

communications strategy. The first was to

websites and App (over half a million).

advance the role of girls and women in athletics

during the Tokyo Olympic Games with 163

in three core areas of the sport – empowering

athletes and revealed disturbing levels of abuse

women in leadership positions, breaking withof athletes, including sexist, racist, transphobic

leverage the Tokyo Olympic Games to secureathletics as the number 1 Olympic sport. The

CAMPAIGNS

second was to create a strong, respected

Two campaigns in the early part of the year

and valued stakeholder relations unit that canhelped to keep athletics front and centre in

activate and support stakeholders, particularly

the minds of the public and fans ahead of the

our Areas, Member Federations and one-day

Tokyo Olympic Games.

meetings to deliver our growth strategy.
The Global Conversation to support the WorldNUMBER ONE OLYMPIC SPORT

Plan. A global consumer survey was created

The creation of a proactive communications

to gather insights from the public about theplan, across traditional and social media; thesport. A detailed toolkit was developed todevelopment of eye-catching, spectacularhelp Member Federations promote the survey

graphics and a dedicated focus to support

in their countries and a comprehensive media

Areas and Member Federations with resources

relations and social media campaign was

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3.4 COMMUNICATIONS

3.4 COMMUNICATIONS

and homophobic posts, and unfounded

MEDIA OPERATIONS INNOVATION

doping accusations. It also unequivocallyIn addition to supporting our WAS events

highlighted the greater levels of abuse female

and one-day meetings with communications

athletes receive in comparison to their maleplans and content, the Media Operations

counterparts.

team successfully trialled a remote mixed• 132 targeted discriminatory posts from 119

zone concept at the World Athletics U20

authors, with 23 of the 161 tracked athletesChampionships Nairobi 21 where bespoke• receiving targeted abuse.

content was collected and distributed to media• Out of the 23 athletes who received abuse,outlets and Member Federations. This led to

16 were women with 115 of the 132

increased coverage and engagement during

identified abusive posts directed at female

the event.

athletes.
• Female athletes received 87% of all abuse.
63% of identified abuse was directed at just
two athletes – both black and female –while the two most common categories ofabuse were of a sexist (29%) and/or racist(26%) nature, accounting for 55% of all
identified abuse.

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3.4 COMMUNICATIONS

3.4 COMMUNICATIONSATHLETICS FOR A BETTER WORLD - 2021

LEADERSHIP,

COMPETITIONSHEALTH & SCIENCE

ATHLETESCORPORATE/HQ

ATHLETECREDIBILITY && OUTREACH• Working more closely with

• Building a working group• Continuing to embed

REFUGEE TEAMPARTNERSHIPS• Developed a Sustainable

our Health & Science teamof Athlete Sustainability

our sustainability• Streamlined the• Increased visibility in

Event Management System

to develop a stronger

Ambassadors to engage

strategy across our entire

programme’s organisation

sustainability arenathat will be piloted in 2022

and more proactive

athletes around WAS event

organisation to involve andand operation

through participation inas part of our sustainability

communications plan toand one-day meetings.

include every staff member

conferences and panels

certification/event standard

better highlight its work

• Athlete video produced

including COP26

that we hope to launcharound air quality andfor COP26 was viewed

in 2023.

athlete safety

more than 100,000 times• Signed UN Sport for
Climate Action Framework.

• More than 100 meetingsfrom every department• Updated waste• Athletes participatedat the Olypmic Gamesand for the first time

management system

at European Athletics

across our platforms,• Developing travel policy

events: the European

to be released in 2022

screened widely during the• Developing ISO 20121

Indoor Championships,

conference and featured on• 4 papers on AQ research

Athletics Kenya became

participated in introductory

the first MF to join us andworkshops in December• Supported Run Smarter

Belgrade 22 the first LOC• Continued to expand theCity Challenge pilot

certification

European Cross Country

the BBC• Released sustainability

website’s Better World

elearning modules

section into what willon their attitudes aboutbecome a leading sport

climate change andand sustainability info hub

sustainability in the lead-in

the 10,000m Cup and theChampionships• Surveyed our athletes

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4. GENERAL COMMISSION REPORTS

4. GENERAL COMMISSION REPORTS

4. COMMISSIONREPORTSThis section covers reports of the four World
Athletics commissions:• Athletes’• Competition• Development• Governance2021 was the first full year of functioningof the four commissions, supported by thework of their respective workstreams. The
terms of references and four-year plans for allcommissions were approved by Council in July
2020 and are available on the website here.
All commission meetings in 2021 were
held remotely.

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4.1 ATHLETES’ COMMISSION

4.1 ATHLETES’ COMMISSION

4.1 ATHLETES’ COMMISSIONCOMPOSITION OF THE ATHLETES’ COMMISSION
The Athletes’ Commission is comprised of the following elected and appointed members:

INTRODUCTION“As athletes, we understand that success can

The role of the Athletes’ Commission is to

only be achieved by committing ourselvesprovide the Council with advice on

100% and along with World Athletics we will

relevant matters:

continue to ensure that the athletes’ voice
and perspective are included in the decisionmaking processes and that we work as a

• To include the athletes’ perspective in the
Name

Member Federation

Position

decision-making processes within World

Renaud LAVILLENIE

FRA

Chair

Athletics; and,Valerie ADAMSNZLDeputy Chair

Kevin BORLÉE

BELMemberMilcah CHEMOS CHEYWA

KEN

MemberKim COLLINSSKNMemberIñaki GÓMEZ

CAN

Member

In 2021, the Commission continued its

by Council. The Commission is representative

Majd Eddin GHAZALSYRMemberunwavering commitment to provide input on key

from a geographical, gender and discipline

Adam KSZCZOT

POLMemberprojects and initiatives of World Athletics byperspective. The term of each member is

Bernard LAGATUSAMemberensuring that the athletes’ voice and perspective

approximately four years. The next election for

Aisha PRAUGHT-LEER

JAM

Memberare included in the decision-making processes at

six positions on the Commission will take place

the sport’s highest level, with the Chair and theduring the World Athletics Championships inThomas RÖHLER

GER

Member

Deputy Chair of the Commission as full voting

Oregon in July 2022.

Olga RYPAKOVA

KAZMembermembers of Council. Through the governance

Akani SIMBINE

RSA

Memberand integrity reforms approved in 2016, World

Ivana SPANOVICSRBMemberAthletics has recognised the importance of

Katerina STEFANIDIGRE

Memberathletes in the decision-making process and has

Bingtian SU

CHN

Membersignificantly strengthened its support to athletes.

Marie Josée TA LOU

CIVMemberBenita WILLIS

AUS

Membercollective for the good of the sport.”
The Athletes’ Commission represents current• To ensure that there is a link and regulardiscourse between the athlete community andand recently retired athletes. It is comprised

World Athletics in order to convey athletes’of 18 members, 12 of whom were elected byviews to World Athletics and vice versa.

the athletes competing at the World Athletics
Championships and six of whom are appointed

Since 2019, the Chairperson and one othermember of the Commission (one male and one
female) have been full voting members of World
Athletics’ Council.

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4.1 ATHLETES’ COMMISSION

4.1 ATHLETES’ COMMISSIONMEETINGS AND ACTIVITIESKEY WORK IN 2021, INCLUDING RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

In 2021, the Athletes’ Commission held two Commission meetings to discuss ongoing andupcoming projects:

Meeting Date

Key topics of meeting

31 March••••

Organisation of Athletes’ Info Session (held on 14 April)
Shoe technology issue
Olympic Games qualification system
Covid-19 consequences on competition programme

•
•
•
•

AIU related matters (ADAMS, whereabouts updates, safeguarding)Para-athletics rules and regulations
Final 3 format (Diamond League)
Findings of the athletes’ financial survey

25 October

In addition to these two meetings, the Athletes’ Commission strived to assist and support athletes
on matters related to their sport through newsletters addressed quarterly to the global athletes’
community via email; athlete forums at events such as the one that took place in Zürich at the timeof the Diamond League Final concerning the Final 3 format; virtual information sessions open to
all athletes; surveys, further engagement and cooperation with different athlete bodies (e.g. The
Athletics Association, Area Association athletes’ commissions, etc.), as well as opinion pieces
on Spikes.

Key work

Outcome (if relevant)Implementation of the Athletes’ Commission’s Communication Strategy(established in November 2020):• Athletes’ newsletters• Athletes’ online Information Sessions• Spikes columns

N/A

Providing feedback and input to World Athletics on the:• Revised 2021 Diamond League Regulations• Revised 2021 World Athletics Continental Tour Regulations• Draft timetables for WAS events• Qualification procedures for WAS events• Athletics Shoe Rule
• Final 3 (Diamond League)

Approved by Council

Collaboration with the AIU, Health & Science, Governance & Legal departmentson the following:• AIU newsletter• Athletic Shoes Working Group• Human Rights Working Group• Safeguarding Working Group

N/A

Assisting Areas and MFs to set up their own Athletes’ Commissions anddeveloping relationships:• Collaborated and participated in the NACAC Athletes’ Commission
information session• Continued to develop relationships with other athlete groups andassociations• Increased partnership and collaborative work (e.g. Diamond League 2021+)

N/A

The Athletes’ Commission worked actively on the accomplishment of the priorities set across theareas of the Commission’s responsibility according to its knowledge, background, and the needs of
the Commission and the Council, as well as those of the other three World Athletics Commissions
through its representative(s) on each (Katerina Stefanidi and Akani Simbine for Competitions, Kim
Collins for Development, and Iñaki Gómez for Governance).

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4.1 ATHLETES’ COMMISSION

4.2 COMPETITION COMMISSIONCONCLUSION
The Athletes’ Commission benefits from the
support of the Council and leadership at HQ

4.2 COMPETITIONCOMMISSION

to continue to ensure and promote athlete
involvement in decision-making across

COMPOSITION OF THE

the sport.

COMPETITION COMMISSION
The Competition Commission is comprised of

The Commission’s goals are to advocate thethe following members:

benefits as well as the added value of athlete
involvement, and to convey and represent
Name

MemberFederation

Position

Raul CHAPADO

ESP

Chair

Julio GAITAN

COLMemberSiddig IBRAHIM

SUD

MemberDavid KATZ

USA

MemberCydonie
MOTHERSILLCAY

MemberFIN

Memberpostponed World Athletics Championships in

Antti
PIHLAKOSKI

Oregon in July 2022.

Anna RICCARDI

ITA

MemberAkani SIMBINE*

RSA

MemberTrevor SPITTLE

NZLMemberKaterina
STEFANIDI*

GRE

MemberEllen VAN
LANGEN

NED

MemberMariko YAMADA

JPN

Memberthe athletes’ viewpoint with relevant World
Athletics stakeholders. This also includes
cultivating enhanced cooperation with the
AIU and other stakeholders, protecting clean
athletes and a level playing field.
The next election for six positions on theCommission will take place at the time of the

In 2022, the Athletes’ Commission remains
committed to best serve athletes tosuccessfully understand their issues andprovide solutions, with a focus on increasing
visibility by communicating its role
and achievements.

*Athletes’ Commission members

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4.2 COMPETITION COMMISSION

4.2 COMPETITION COMMISSIONINTRODUCTION

The workstreams of the Competition Commission (as set out below) met when needed via

The Competition Commission strives to play a key role in providing Council with advice andconference calls to contribute to the work of the Commission and consulted the Athletes’

expertise to keep athletics relevant and engaging at all levels in alignment with the mission outlined

Commission as appropriate.

in the World Athletics Strategic Plan. The Commission is focused on creating globally appealing andaccessible competitions, events and activities.

MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIESMembers (Competition Commission member &external experts)

Workstream

Led byTechnical

David KATZ

Trevor Spittle, Julio Gomez, Akani Simbine, Brian Roe, Jorge
Salcedo, Krisztina Horvath

WAS Events Regulations

Anna RICCARDI

Ellen Van Langen, Mariko Yamada, Chris Cohen, Luca
Verrascina, Inaki Gomez

WAS Events Strategy

Antti PIHLAKOSKI

Katerina Stefanidi, Mariko Yamada, Anna Riccardi, Marton
GyulaiWorld Rankings

Ellen VAN LANGEN

Cydonie Mothersill, Willie Banks, Renaud Lavillenie

In Stadium Strategy

Katerina STEFANIDI

Akani Simbine, Paul Doyle, Michelle JamesOut of Stadium Strategy

Jakob LARSEN

Siddig Ibrahim, David Katz, Inaki Gomez, Marko Vasic

In 2021, the Competition Commission met three times. A summary of its key areas of focus isprovided below:

Meeting Date
24 February

10 June25 October

Key topics of meeting
•
•
•
•
•

WAS events timetables and qualification procedures
WAS events dates
International Technical Officials project
Olympic Games race walking mixed team competition
World Rankings competitions (introductory discussion)

•
•
•
•
•
•

Oregon Relays qualification system
Out of stadium regulations (Cross Country Tour, Race Walking Tour &Label Road Races programme)
Combined Events Tour regulations
Lane Infringement rule
50km road running world record
35km race walking world record

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Future of World Athletics Relays
WAS events prize money review
WAS events qualification systems and dates
Replacement policy at WAS eventsResults manipulation
World Rankings yearly review
World Rankings competitions (framework)

The key Competition Commission considerations included:• To enhance the attractiveness of our events and sport, increasing fan and media interest• To help to increase showcase athletics, and deliver a great competition experience• To ensure relevance of participation and the value of hosting the event• To calibrate the balance between our offer and the market interest• To think about all the impacts to cost, operational and organisational challenges• To help to improve the World Athletics movement.

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4.2 COMPETITION COMMISSION

4.2 COMPETITION COMMISSION

KEY WORK, INCLUDING RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

CONCLUSION

Between January and December 2021, the Competition Commission made 36 recommendations

The Competition Commission will continue

to Council and an overview of these recommendations and other key work is provided below:

to focus on working on the growth andimprovement of the sport in alignment with theWorld Athletics Strategic Plan and the World

Key work

Recommendations

OutcomeFuture WAS events

•
•
•
•
•
•

Qualification systems and entry standards (WIC22 & WCH22)
Target number of athletes/teams by events
Timetables (WIC22 & WXC23)
Dates (WIC23)
Competition delegates (WIC22 & WU2022)
Wild card in race walk for WCH Oregon22 (50km RW champion toreceive wild card for 35km RW)
Limit to the number of substitutes in the mixed relays at the WCH
Oregon22 (to a single athlete)
Entry of 16 teams in all relay events at the WCH Oregon22
Return to a top 8 format for the long jump, triple jump and shot put
finals in the WIC

Approved byCouncilInternational Technical
Officials (ITOs) Project(gender and geographicalparity)The goal is to reposition the ITOs as “World Athletics Referees” from 2022
and to achieve full gender equity by 2028. New mentoring programmes
will be introduced for developing Member Federations to ensure quicker
learning opportunities

Concept andprinciples
supported byCouncil

In Stadium disciplines•

Approval of the creation of the Combined Events Tour and Regulations

Approved byCouncilOut of Stadium
disciplines•

Approved byCouncil•Approval of the creation of the Race Walking and Cross Country Toursand Regulations
Approval of the Road Races Label programme 2022

•
•
•
•

World record in the 50km road runningWorld record in 35km race walking
Lane infringement
Obstruction/jostling note to TR17.2.2

Approved byCouncil•

In line with the Strategic Plan, the prize money at the World Athletics
Championships will be increased by an additional USD 1 million
A review of the distribution of prize money across the other World
Athletics competitions to help reach this goal was done and supportedby the Commission

Approved byCouncil

The Commission asked for Council’s support on the implementation in
2022 (as a pilot year) of the World Rankings Competitions framework. This
concept is for an overarching category of competitions (initially labelled“Elite Athletics”) to include all worldwide competitions, and at all levels,
capable of delivering events in full compliance with World Athletics Rules.

Concept andprinciples
supported byCouncil•••

Amendments to theCompetition & Technical
Rules

Prize Money•

World Rankings
Competitions

Plan for Athletics.
Outlined below is a list of the major
ongoing projects:• World Athletics Championships 2023:- Qualification system and entry standards- Timetable• Olympic Games 2024:- Qualification system and entry standards- Race walking mixed team event: format
to be approved by IOC- Repechage heats: process and events• Results manipulation watchlist• Replacement process at WAS events• International Referee project (incollaboration with the Development
Commission)• World Rankings competitions

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4.3 DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

4.3 DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

4.3 DEVELOPMENTCOMMISSIONINTRODUCTION
The role of the Development Commission isto provide expertise and advice to the Council
on matters necessary to support the growth,Workstream

Led byKids’ Athletics

Adille SUMARIWALLA

eLearning and CECS /TOECSGeoff GARDNER

Support to Member
Federations and Area
Associations

Donna RAYNORCOMPOSITION OF THE

development and administration of athletics at

DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

global, area and national level; and to develop

The Development Commission is comprised ofpartnerships and uphold the role

the following members:

and relationship between sport and

Decentralisation

Annette PURVIS

social responsibility.

Education

Beatrice AYIKORUBiomechanics & Research

Nick BITEL

NameMemberFederation

Position

Geoff GARDNER

NFI

Chair

is to review and support projects related to theBeatrice AYIKORUUGAMember

growth and development of athletics worldwide,

Sergey BUBKA

UKR

MemberAdilleSUMARIWALLA

IND

MemberNick BITEL

GBR

MemberCarlosCAVALHEIRO

BRA

MemberKim COLLINS*SKNMember• 16 February

Annette PURVIS

NZLMember• 15 June

Donna RAYNOR

BERMember• 19 October

Edith SKIPPINGSTKSMemberTendai TAGARA

ZIM

Member

The overarching objective of the Commission

to build skills and capacity, and increase levelsof participation from grassroots to elite.

MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIESThe Development Commission met by videoconference on three occasions in 2021:

The six workstreams (detailed below) were
widely consulted and contributed to the*Athletes’ Commission member

objectives and timelines reflected in the areasof work identified in the Commission’s fouryear plan that can be found here.

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4.3 DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

4.3 DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

KEY WORK, INCLUDING RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCILThe Commission recommended the following

With the input of the different workstreams, the Development Commission primarily focused andto Council in 2021:

advised Council on the development of existing and new initiatives such as the new Kids’ Athletics• Approved on 18 March: to change theprogramme and online education content that will contribute to the aim to increase and retain levels

existing mandate periods for Internationalof participation across all age groups and across all forms of the sport. A summary of actions

Technical Officials, International Starters,

is below.

International Photo Finish Judges andInternational Race Walking Judges Panels,

Topic

Key Commission actions summary

eLearning platform andcontent development

Advise on the development delivery and monitoring of the:• TOECS and CECS Level 1 modules and blended learning and practical assessment
approach to validate certification• Gender Leadership modules

New Kids’ Athletics

Input into the development of, and monitor and evaluate, the different content added to the
new Kids’ Athletics website including:• Level 1 (ages 7-11) activity cards• Member Federation guide• Practitioner guide• Safeguarding policy

International Technical Officials(ITO) Review Project

Member Federation supportand services new development
strategy

Evaluate and propose changes to the existing mandate periods for International Technical
Officials, International Starters, International Photo Finish Judges and International Race
Walking Judges Panels
Agree on adjustments needed in the timing of the evaluation and appointment process
Review and evaluate the new development model and support and funding approach thatsets out clear roles and responsibilities for World Athletics, the Area Associations andthe Member Federations, giving direction and support to grow the sport and deliver theobjectives included in the Strategic Plan and World Plan for Athletics

Decentralisation

Establish and identify measurable outcomes for and with Area Associations aligned to theWorld Athletics Strategic Plan and input on the proposed roles and responsibilities under
the new development model (as detailed above)

Education

Develop and review the concept for athlete career programmes, and support and develop
gender leadership programmes including the development of content for gender equity
seminars (four delivered in 2021)

Global Athletics Coaches
Academy (GACA)

Input and consult on the different projects proposed by GACA:• Coaching Matters webinars (quarterly)• Virtual Coaches’ Club (2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and World Athletics U20
Championships Nairobi 2021)• Selection procedure and nomination for the “Coaching Achievement Award 2021” at theWorld Athletics Awards

as well as the adjustment in the timing of theevaluation and appointment process.
• Approved on 21 July: to endorse the new
Kids’ Athletics programme concept andtimeframe for roll out.

CONCLUSION
In 2022, the Development Commission willcontinue to focus its work in alignment with theWorld Athletics Strategic Plan and the World
Plan, by the way of an emphasis on the More
Participation and More People strategic goals,
where through the different workstreams, theCommission is reviewing the progress of key
projects around education worldwide.

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4.4 GOVERNANCE COMMISSION

4.4 GOVERNANCE COMMISSION

4.4 GOVERNANCE
COMMISSIONINTRODUCTION
The role of the Governance Commission is toprovide expertise and advice to the Council on
the matters necessary to:

COMPOSITION OF THE• Ensure good governance practices in World

GOVERNANCE COMMISSION

Athletics, its Area Associations and its

The Governance Commission is comprised ofMembers; and,the following members:• Uphold the highest standards of integrity,
including ensuring that good governance andethical compliance practices are embedded

Name

MemberFederation

PositionFrancis DODOO

GHA

Chair

Sylvia BARLAG

NED

MemberCarlota
CASTREJANA

ESPMemberDagmar FREITAGGERMemberHelio Marinho
GESTA DE
MELO

BRA

MemberIñaki GÓMEZ*CAN

MemberDavid GRACE

AUS

Member

Leung (Alex)
HONG SHUN

HKG

MemberJinaro KIBETKEN

MemberSirje LIPPE

ESTMemberRonald RUSSELL

ISV

MemberNorman WAIN

USA

Memberand monitored in World Athletics, its Area
Associations and its Members. This includes
reviewing all Rules and Regulations.
The Governance Commission was appointed byCouncil in 2020 for approximately four years.
Details regarding the Commission, including its
four-year plan and Terms of Reference can befound here.

*Athletes’ Commission member

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4.4 GOVERNANCE COMMISSION

4.4 GOVERNANCE COMMISSIONMEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES• Candidacy Rules

applicants to be recommended to Council as

In 2021, the Governance Commission met• Governance Rules

nominees for Service Awards for submission to

three times by videoconference on 31 May, 16• Event Bidding Rules

the 2021 World Athletics Congress for approval.

June and 27 October. The Commission’s four

• Diamond League Regulations

workstreams (listed below) continued their work

• Continental Tour Regulations

In addition, the Commission reviewed andin 2021 in the areas identified in the• Label Road Race Regulations for 2022

provided input on the following:

four-year plan:• Eligibility Regulations for the Female• Safeguarding Policy & Guidance (drafts)• Rules and Regulations, led byDavid Grace QCClassification (Athletes with Differences of Sex• Safeguarding Rules (draft)

Development) (‘DSD Regulations’)• Member Federation Rules (draft)• Governance structures and Audit review, led• Area Association Rules (draft)
The proposed amendments to the rules andby Sylvia Barlag• Alignment, led by Alex Leungregulations were either substantive to reflect• Education and training, led by Sirje Lippechanges in policy or enhanced governance, or• Ethical Compliance eLearning strategy
and curriculum• Principles concerning para-athletes competing

more minor or editorial adjustments primarilyin World Athletics Events (MechanicalThe four workstreams met and were consulted

to better clarify understanding or to be

Aids & Assistance).

by email on various occasions prior to each full

more practical in their application based on

meeting of the Commission in 2021 to discuss

experience and learnings to support efficiencies

The Commission reviewed progress against its

and progress key actions.

in functioning. All recommended amendments

four-year plan. The updated plan was approved

to the rules and regulations were approved byby the Commission and the status of objectives

KEY WORK, INCLUDING RELATED

Council and a summary of the amendments are

set out in the plan was provided for

RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

provided in Section 3.1 of this Annual Report.

Council’s information.

A summary of the main areas of focus of the

The Commission also recommended proposed

Commission in 2021 is provided below.

amendments to the Constitution, which Council

CONCLUSION

reviewed and submitted for Congress approval in

Among other governance-related initiatives

November 2021.

and monitoring work scheduled, in 2022 the

The Commission covered the review of the
proposals to amend the Constitution and a

Governance Commission’s work will continue tovariety of proposed amendments to rules and

The Commission also reviewed andfocus on assisting Area Associations and Member

regulations, as follows:

recommended to Council for approval the newFederations to enshrine good governance• Constitution

Honorary Member and Service Awards Rules.

principles through the related rules and by• Rules of Congress

The rules set out the nominations process for

producing templates and tailored guidance.

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5 WORKING GROUP & TASKFORCE REPORTS

5.1 ATHLETIC SHOES WORKING GROUP

5. WORKING GROUP& TASKFORCE REPORTS

5.1 ATHLETIC SHOES WORKING GROUPCOMPOSITION OF THE WORKING GROUP
The membership of the Athletic Shoes Working Group was as follows:

Four working groups were in operation in 2021, the work of each is summarised in the next pages.
Name

Role

Position

Robbert DE KOCKWFSGI representative

Co-ChairSylvia BARLAG

Council Member

Co-ChairSpencer NEL

Adidas representative

MemberRyan MONTGOMERYAsics representative

MemberCarson CAPRARA SR

Brooks representative

MemberTom CARLEO

New Balance representative

MemberChris COOK

Nike representative

MemberJohan ADAMSSON

Puma representative

MemberIñaki GÓMEZ

Athletes’ Commission representative

MemberAnna RICCARDI

Certification and control
Workstream representative

MemberProfessor Toni ARNDT

Science and Medicine
Workstream representative

MemberBrian ROE

Development and Manufacturing
Workstream representative

MemberJon RIDGEONWorld Athletics CEO

Convenor, ex-officio attendee

INTRODUCTION
The Working Group was initially established by Council on 6 June 2020 for a 12-month term but
due to the nature of the work, in July 2021 Council agreed the continuation of the Working Groupthrough to 31 December 2021.
The Working Group’s purpose was to advise and make recommendations to Council on the future
direction of the rules and regulations concerning elite athlete shoes via the Competition Commission.

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5.1 ATHLETIC SHOES WORKING GROUP

5.1 ATHLETIC SHOES WORKING GROUP

The Working Group was assisted by HQ staff

MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIESfrom the Competitions, Health & Science,

Between January and December 2021, thecustomisations for medical andCommunications, and Legal departments, andWorking Group met four times (May, June,safety grounds;

was supported by its three workstreams:

October and November) although in between• Availability of athlete shoes for purchase; and• Development and Manufacturing: Inform

meetings many discussions were held, and• The sanctions regime with the introduction

and advise on the imperatives, constraints

emails exchanged. The main activities andof a Shoe Control Officer to conduct spot

and information related to the technical anddiscussions of the Working Group during thischecks at events.

timeline aspects production of and launch

period concerned the following:plans (including plans for testing and training• Approvals process of shoes andIn 2021, as discussions concerning thewith athletes) for new products that come on
the market.
• Science and Medicine: Inform and adviseon the existing science on both safety and• Continued explanation of Rule 5 of thelong-term rules and regulations continued,

Technical Rules during the transition

two amendments were made to Rule 5 ofperiod, which was extended to up to

the Technical Rules (June and July). Both

31 December 2021;

amendments extended the transition period• Review of performances at the Tokyo 2020

performance enhancing aspects of shoes

Olympic Games;

used in athletics and, if necessary, design

and transition provisions (which pre-dated theWorking Group) to 31 December 2021.

• Testing and building a core set of results

and/or supervise scientific studies to address
the safety and performance-enhancing effectconcerning road (non-spike) shoes led by theof shoes (including delivering the aims set

Science and Medicine workstream exploringout in the terms of reference). Ensure thatthe benefits of regulating energy return;such work is conducted in accordance with• Discussions concerning the future proofing of

the normal custom and practice governing

the rules to strike the right balance between

confidentiality and publication.

preserving the integrity of the sport andencouraging innovation;• Certification and Control: Inform and• Review of the sole thicknesses andadvise on the existing and future clearance
processes and devices used to certify elite

simplification of the current sole thickness

athletes’ shoes before, during and after

table in the regulations;competitions. Advise on the procedure for• Principles and subsequent drafts of the rules

the certification of competition shoes andand regulations (which included a proposal to

implementation and enforcement of theprohibit ‘sensing or intelligent’ technology);

Technical Rules.

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5.1 ATHLETIC SHOES WORKING GROUP

5.1 ATHLETIC SHOES WORKING GROUP

KEY WORK INCLUDING

The pre-competition shoe declaration process,

CONCLUSION

Because of the pace of innovation, further

RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

while helpful in raising awareness among

Since its inception in June 2020, the Working

adjustments to the rules and regulations

In the first half of 2021 the major and central

athletes about the shoes they were wearing,Group has helped to considerably develop

may become necessary. Therefore, theissue the Working Group explored was a long-presented a significant administrative burden

World Athletics’ knowledge of athletic shoes,

Working Group’s conclusions are by noterm sustainable and implementable solution

on athletes and organisers. The Certification

their technology and innovations, and themeans a ‘total and complete solution’, more

for regulation of athletic shoes. The Working

and Control workstream’s solution, throughresearch and development work that sits

work and dialogue are needed with the shoeGroup explored options within a framework

conducting post-event spot checks and abehind them. Collectively, the Working Group

manufacturing industry. Accordingly, Worldof measuring performance advantages ofshoe control officer to oversee the same, wasconcluded that there was a fine balancing

Athletics will continue to consult with the shoe

the current technology in athletic shoes andwelcomed by the Working Group.

act between, on the one hand, supporting

manufacturers via the WFSGI on thisinnovation and, on the other hand, ensuring

important topic.

the benefits of regulating energy return. This
work was led by the Science and Medicine

In the latter half of 2021, based on theinnovation in shoe technology does not create

workstream and provided significant andWorking Group’s discussions earlier in 2021,

unfairness or a paradigm shift in athletic

The Working Group thanks all its members andhelpful insight into the Working Group’s

key work focused on drafting and consulting

performances. The opportunity created by thestaff from both WFSGI and World Athletics fordeliberations. The work had merit, but after

on a consolidated set of draft rules andWorking Group for an open and constructive

their contributions and work to date.

considerable discussion, it was not, at the time,

regulations to come into force on 1 January

dialogue between World Athletics and theconsidered appropriate to recommend to the2022. That work involved re-structuring andindustry on the evolution of the rule andCompetition Commission its introduction into

tidying up the current rule and draft regulations

regulations has been welcomed by all sides.

the rules and regulations.

along with the implementation of essential
short-term improvements. At the October

The Development and Manufacturing

and November Working Group meetings, theworkstream’s insight into the duration of thedraft rule and regulations were presented

manufacturing lead times (i.e., from concept,

for consultation. Drafts were subsequently

design to finished product) operated wasshared with the Governance, Competition andhelpful to the Working Group’s consideration

Athletes’ Commissions for their feedback priorof timelines for implementing any substantive

to submission to Council for its approval onchanges to the rules and regulations.

22 December 2021. The amended rule andnew regulations were circulated to Member
Federations on the same day.

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5.2 HUMAN RIGHTS WORKING GROUP

5.2 HUMAN RIGHTS WORKING GROUP

5.2 HUMAN RIGHTSWORKING GROUP

to the Constitution by the Swedish Athletic

snapshot of the risks. On the advice of CSHR

improve its management of human rights.

Association and to the request by Athletics

and Shift, to undertake this assessment, theThe HRWG final report was submitted toSouth Africa to discuss at the Congress the

HRWG agreed to interview both internal andCouncil for approval at its July 2021 meeting.

topic of the United Nations call to International

external stakeholders.

It concluded in its report that for WorldCOMPOSITION OF THE

Sports Federations to protect the human rights

WORKING GROUP

of athletes.

The Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) was

Athletics to achieve its vision to “create a
In 2021, the focus of the HRWG was tohealthier and fitter world” using the power anddevelop the human rights framework and theaccessibility of athletics and its athletes, it had

appointed by Council on 30 July 2020 for the

The HRWG was appointed to:

HRWG’s recommendations to report tothe opportunity to strengthen and build on the

period through to 31 March 2021.

• undertake an assessment of World Athletics’

the Council.

significant work it has done to date by putting
in place systems and processes that focus on

operations, policies and rules in terms ofMembership comprised:human rights.

• Maria CLARKE, Chair• develop a human rights framework for WorldKEY WORK, INCLUDING RELATED

preventing harm to people.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
The HRWG developed a framework for WorldCouncil acknowledged the preliminary nature

Athletics to use for making decisions toof the HRWG’s recommendations and agreed

if deemed necessary, any recommended

minimise the risk of harm to people affectedthat they laid the foundations for further

proposal for amendment to the Constitution.

by its operations and activities, and provide

work on human rights. Council also approveda remedy or grievance mechanism, if harm

the recommendations made by the HRWG in

To support the working group, two world-

occurs. Work undertaken by other sports was

its report and recommended its approval to• Ximena RESTREPO, Council Member

leading experts on human rights in sport wereconsidered in preparing the framework.

Congress in November 2021. The executive• Aleck SKHOSANA, Member

engaged, the Centre for Sport and Human• Adille SUMARIWALLA, Council Member andRights (CSHR) and the Shift Project.

• Stephanie HIGHTOWER, Member

Athletics; and,• Jinaro KIBET, Governance Commission• report back to the 2021 Congress including,Member• Toralf NILSSON, Member• Aisha PRAUGHT-LEER, Athletes’
Commission Member

summary of the report was included with the
A preliminary report was presented to the2021 Congress documentation.

Council and discussed during a dedicatedDevelopment Commission Member
The HRWG completed its Initial Risk

Council Information Session. This initial

The HRWG report, including its findings and

INTRODUCTION

Assessment phase at the end of 2020.

report set out the human rights risks thatrecommendations, was approved by Congress

On 26 September 2019, during the 52nd

This phase involved the HRWG identifying

HRWG found in its risk assessment; any gaps

on 17 November 2021. The report can be

World Athletics Congress meeting in Doha,and assessing the risks of adverse humanidentified that need addressing in World

downloaded from the website following

a commitment was made by the President torights impacts or possible harms to people

Athletics’ current operations, policies andthis link.

the Congress to establish a working groupfrom World Athletics’ operations, and therules; a proposed human rights framework; andfocused on human rights. The commitment

implementation of its policies and rules.

recommendations by the HRWG for further

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5.2 HUMAN RIGHTS WORKING GROUP

5.2 HUMAN RIGHTS WORKING GROUP

The HRWG’s approved recommendations areand mitigate against them as well as the

CONCLUSION

its responsibility for creating a safe and positive

set out below:

remedies for any harm which occurs.

The HRWG report noted that World Athletics

environment for all involved within athletics,

has recognised the importance of human

together with a range of specific initiatives

4. World Athletics should adopt a Human
1. World Athletics should make a public

Rights Framework to be used by its decisionrights since 1962, when the World Athletics

and actions to be undertaken by it, its Member

commitment to respect and promote

makers to address human rights risks when

Constitution first enshrined its intolerance forFederations and the Area Associations; itinternationally recognised human rights.

making decisions.

discrimination in athletics. It also recognised

amended its bidding process for potentialthat World Athletics has long been a leader

candidate cities and hosts; and adopted a

2. World Athletics should have human rights

5. World Athletics should develop a Humanexpertise embedded in the organisation

Rights Strategy, which sets out its priorities

in global sport in terms of gender equality for

Sustainability Strategy 2020-2030 in which

to support the development andfor human rights and the steps to implement

athletes, in both participation and prize money.

two of the six focus areas are global equality

implementation of all the recommendations

them over a specified period. This strategy

In 2016, it added two athlete representatives

and diversity, accessibility and wellbeing.

in the HRWG’s report.

should be monitored and the progressto the ruling Council and introduced genderagainst it, reported annually to thequotas in its Constitution to ensure equalWorld Athletics will continue to support all

Member Federations.

representation on the Council by 2027.

stakeholders to respect and promote humanWorld Athletics has undertaken additionalrights across the decisions it makes about the
sport and its operations.

3. World Athletics should undertake a further
assessment of the human rights risks in

6. The report recommendations should be

World Athletics’ operations and throughout
the sport as a whole, to give it a deeper

implemented over the next three to five

steps relevant to human rights. In particular, it

and more comprehensive understanding ofyears, taking into account the resources anddeveloped a safeguarding policy to commit tothem, so it can then assess the processes

capacity of World Athletics.

and measures it should have to prevent

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5.3 SAFEGUARDING WORKING GROUP

5.3 SAFEGUARDING WORKING GROUP

5.3
SAFEGUARDING
WORKING GROUPCOMPOSITION OF THE
WORKING GROUPThe Safeguarding Working Group (SWG) is
comprised of the following members:

INTRODUCTION

WORLD ATHLETICS

individuals to ensure athletes understand that

The SWG was established by the Council in

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

this is not acceptable and to encourage themaccordance with Article 47.2(n) of the World

The first task for the SWG to undertake was ato report such behaviour. Educating and raising

Athletics Constitution and Rule 5.23 of thereview of the World Athletics Safeguarding Policy

awareness of this is a priority for the future.

Governance Rules. Terms of reference were

initially considered by the Council in March 2021.

established in accordance with Rule 5.35 of the

A final version was produced and approved by

SAFEGUARDING MATERIALS FOR

Governance Rules and approved by the Council

the Council at its meeting in Tokyo in July 2021.

MEMBER FEDERATIONS

on 16 June 2021.

It has now been published on the World Athletics

The Policy explains World Athletics’ commitment

website. The Policy will be reviewed annually toto safeguarding all those associated withensure it stays up to date and fit for purpose.

athletics from abuse, harassment and exploitation.

The role of the SWG, as set out in the terms• Abby HOFFMAN, Chair, World Athletics

Implementing this policy commitment is noof reference, is to provide expert advice andCouncil Member and AIU Board Member• Francis DODOO, GovernanceCommission Chair• Willie BANKS, Council Member• Beatrice AYIKORU, Council Member andDevelopment Commission Member• Bernard LAGAT, Athletes’
Commission Member• Brian SHAPIRO, Member

recommendations to the Council on

The Policy sets out the expectations of thesmall undertaking. In addition, World Athletics

safeguarding matters.

organisation as well as defining the safeguarding

undertook in the Policy to provide safeguardingroles and responsibilities of Area Associations

documentation to help Area Associations and

MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES

and Member Federations. It is hoped that it will

Member Federations implement the Policy; thisThe SWG held three meetings in 2021:

give athletes and all those involved in athletics

means helping them to create safeguarding• 11 June

generally confidence and trust that there arepolicies for their own organisations, members• 2 Julysystems in place to address

and regions. As a result, the SWG created a• 20 September

safeguarding concerns.

suite of documents for use by Area Associations
and Member Federations to enable them to• Sebastian COE, President (ex officio)
The members of the SWG were appointed byCouncil on 16 June 2021 for a maximum of oneyear term.

KEY WORK, INCLUDING RELATED

There are two aspects of the Policy that make it

produce their own policies, codes of conduct andRECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

different from many other safeguarding polices;safeguarding rules.

There were three main tasks undertaken in thefirst that it is designed to protect everyone

first year of the SWG:

involved in athletics, not just children, from abuse.

The SWG approved the following materials:• Safeguarding Policy

Secondly, that it goes further in its definition• Starter Pack for those Area Associations• Safeguarding Materials forof abuse, incorporating both harassment andand Member Federations who have noMember Federations

exploitation. The SWG believes that the use ofsafeguarding policy currently in place. This is a

• Consultation Process on thethe term “exploitation” is an important aspect ofstep-by-step document providing information

Safeguarding Materials

the Policy: to protect athletes from serious risk

about the documents and the benefits ofof being taken advantage of by unscrupulous

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5.3 SAFEGUARDING WORKING GROUP

5.3 SAFEGUARDING WORKING GROUP• Guide to Safeguarding, which is for Member• if the safeguarding materials would help Area

The consultation process began in 2022.

Federations who have a safeguarding system

Associations and Member Federations toFeedback will be incorporated into the final

in place but who would like to understand how

produce their own polices, codes of conduct,

documents for use by the Area Associations andthey can develop it further to strengthen theirrules and other safeguarding systems; andMember Federations. It will also help to guide the• how Member Federations are currently dealingdevelopment of online education, materials andapproach to safeguarding.

with safeguarding concerns.

support for Member Federations in the future.

In addition to these documents, there aretemplates for both Member Federations and

The SWG is consulting with the following:

CONCLUSION

clubs within their regions to use, including a• Member Federations through the

The SWG has undertaken a very important aspectsafeguarding policy, codes of conduct that can

Area Associationsof work, which is fundamental to the ongoing

be adapted for use for a variety of audiences,• The World Athletics Athletes’ Commission

success of athletics in the future. Safeguarding

safeguarding rules and a reporting form. Thereand the athletes’ commissions for the Area

has had many high-profile cases and there isis also a generic flowchart showing how a

Associations will be asked to participate in theincreased media coverage of these issues. It isconcern might be dealt with once received byconsultation as it is vital to hear the voice ofessential that World Athletics and its members

the Member Federation. All of these can be used

the athletes

address this issue to ensure that everyone

to create bespoke documents within the local• The World Athletics Development Commission

involved in the sport feels safe, valued andlegislation and cultural context of their• The Gender Leadership Taskforce

protected. Enabling our athletes to report, speak

own region.

• Area and national coaches associations

out and challenge poor practice and inappropriate

CONSULTATION ON THE
SAFEGUARDING MATERIALS

through the Global Athletics

behaviour by raising awareness is essential, as is

Coaches Academy

ensuring they are listened to by those who are• A sample of small, medium and large Member

To support and guide Member Federations

Federations in addition to the consultation

through the task of producing their own

through the Area Associations.

safeguarding policy, the SWG believes that it isable to respond correctly to their concerns.
The SWG is working on an education module
for the Kids’ Athletics programme as well as

essential to consult with others to ensure that the

The consultation will be supported by theeducation of athletes and others involved inpackage of documents (as described above) was

members of the SWG and World Athletics staff.

athletics. The SWG is also awaiting the AIU’s

correct in tone and the message was clear.

There are additional documents provided by

Safeguarding Rules, which will address the issue

World Athletics to assist Member Federationsof jurisdiction in relation to safeguarding concernswith the process.

and is an essential element of the implementation

The SWG wants to find out the answers to thefollowing during the consultation process:of the Safeguarding Policy.

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5.4 WORLD PLAN WORKING GROUP

5.4 WORLD PLAN WORKING GROUP

5.4 WORLD PLAN
WORKING GROUP

Deloitte LLP was appointed to provide

COMPOSITION OF THE

INTRODUCTION

WORKING GROUP

The World Plan Working Group was establishedTo drive the project and provide oversight andin 2020 to develop the World Plan for

input throughout the World Plan development

Athletics. The World Plan is a key document forprocess, an internal working group of Council

all within the sport that provides the roadmap

members was established, comprising thefor the growth and development of athletics forfollowing members:

the period 2022-2030. It sets out the vision• Willie BANKS, Chairand goals for the sport globally, and the steps• Antti PIHLAKOSKI, Memberthat World Athletics, Area Associations and• Hélio Marinho GESTA DE MELO, Member

Member Federations will undertake to achieve• Beatrice AYIKORU, Member

the goals.

consultancy support to develop the plan anddeliver the project.

• Nan WANG, Member• Adille SUMARIWALLA, Member• Robin SAPONG-EUGENIO, Member

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5.4 WORLD PLAN WORKING GROUP

5.4 WORLD PLAN WORKING GROUP

KEY WORK, INCLUDING RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
A summary of the project process, covering five main phases, and associated timeline is set out below:

Project initiation

Information gatheringand consultations

Stakeholder surveys

Plan development

Review and finalisation

1

2

3

4

5

Nov 2020

Dec 2020 - Jan 2021

Feb - Apr 2021

Apr - Jun 2021

Jul - Aug 2021

INFORMATION GATHERING AND

MEMBER FEDERATION (MF) SURVEY

CONSULTATIONSAND GLOBAL CONVERSATION

In early 2021, initial desk research was

The period from February to June 2021

undertaken along with a series of consultations

corresponds to an intensive period of

to obtain the views of key stakeholders to

consultation, and plan development and review,

understand the current position; plus key

which resulted in the production of the World

challenges, priorities, and opportunities; as well

Plan for Athletics 2022-2030.

as to gather views on ways in which to ensure
engagement and buy-in to the development

The purpose of the consultation was to obtainprocess and future implementation of thethe views of key stakeholders in the sport,

World Plan.

including all Member Federations and the wider
athletics community around the world. It was an

Representatives from the following stakeholder

opportunity for all in the sport to have their say

groups were consulted during this initial phase:and help shape the sport’s future growth andCouncil, Executive Board, Member Federations,direction. The consultation phase involved two

Area Associations, Commissions and staff. The

surveys as described below:

aim was to use the consultation’s findings to
help shape the more extensive

MF Survey

consultation phase.

The MF Survey was sent out to all Member
Federations on 23 February and they wereasked to complete it by 14 March 2021. There
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5.4 WORLD PLAN WORKING GROUP

5.4 WORLD PLAN WORKING GROUP

the following five core areas: Perception of the

Global Conversation

turn would help provide an understanding ofOver 25,000 responses were received fromSport, Participation, People, Fans and Partners,

The Global Conversation was a survey thatthe challenges and opportunities to growindividual stakeholders from 178 countries andalong with a general ‘Have Your Say’ section.

provided an opportunity to get real feedback

the sport.

across all six Areas.

Most questions involved simple yes/no oron our sport from all stakeholders and thegrading levels of importance responses, but awider community. It was a shorter survey

Member Federations were asked to distribute

The World Plan is the outcome of one of the

few were open ended. On average, the survey

with 10-12 questions (five generic andthe survey to their members, athletes, coaches,most sizeable consultation work and thoroughtook approximately 30 minutes to complete,

the remaining tailored to the stakeholder

officials, fans, partners (government andreviews of athletics ever undertaken.

with each Member Federation provided with agroups, which are split into professionalcommercial) and to encourage and promote

The two surveys gathered the views of aunique link. The survey was in English, French,

athletes, amateur athletes, coaches, officials,

the opportunity for them to participate in thewide variety of key stakeholders, both thoseand Spanish.

administrators, volunteers, meeting organisers,

survey. To support this, a Communications

directly involved in the sport (MFs, professionalfans, broadcasters, partners, etc.).

Toolkit was developed, which provided aathletes and coaches, technical officials) andvariety of ideas and guidelines to help Member

those who compete or watch recreationally

The aim through the Global Conversation wasFederations to promote and engage groups of(amateur athletes and fans).

to give everybody involved in athletics, nostakeholders about the World Plan. The Toolkit

matter their background, role or location, analso provided graphics including a specially

Key findings from the surveys under theopportunity to have their voice heard, which indesigned logo, social media templates, press

headings of perception, participation, people,

release templates and poster templates tofans, and partnerships are summarised in the

tailor communication.

World Plan document under ‘key messages

In total, 181 responses were received
representing 85% of Member Federations.

from the athletics family’.
The Communications department supported
Member Federations to implement the ideas as
set out in the Toolkit and specifically worked
with approximately 20 Member Federations
to help generate media coverage and promote
discussion about athletics.

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5.4 WORLD PLAN WORKING GROUP

5.4 WORLD PLAN WORKING GROUP

PLAN DEVELOPMENTREVIEW AND FINALISATIONCONCLUSION

The World Plan was unanimously approved by

The consultation process informed the

The consultation findings, analysis and

The final document was approved by Council

the Congress on 17-18 November 2021 anddevelopment of the World Plan and helped toproposed goals, objectives and actions wereon 5 September 2021 to be recommended

will require annual reporting against progress

identify goals, objectives and actions to growshared with Member Federations and Areas for

to Congress for approval in November 2021

to Congress.

the sport.

input and feedback through theand its designed version was circulated tofollowing forums:

Member Federations as part of the Congress

The final full document along with a summary

documentation on 16 September 2021.

can be found in English, French and Spanish

The findings from the consultation wereanalysed to identify the specific goals,

MF Info sessions:objectives, and actions to include in the World• 9 June (focus on the findings, analysis andPlan, and which set out how World Athletics,

proposed goals/objectives)

the Areas and Member Federations, and other• 30 June (focus on the proposed actions)stakeholders, can work together to develop

on the World Athletics website.
The Convention on 16 November was focusedon the World Plan to provide the opportunity
to outline and discuss the plan and its
implications with Member Federations in

Area Presidents meetings:

and grow the sport across the world.

more detail.

• 25 May (focus on the findings, analysis andThis work was led by the working group withproposed goals/objectives)

input from a headquarters team. A focus was• 6 July (focus on the proposed actions)on ensuring that the objectives are meaningful,and the identified actions are practical to

The proposed plan and actions weredeliver and impactful.

specifically reviewed from the perspectiveof World Athletics financial and resource/

The diversity of the membership and concept

staffing implications. World Plan actions wereof ‘one size doesn’t fit all’ was also aneither part of, or built on, existing or future

underpinning principle for the working group.

workplans or were considered to be viable to

The aim was for the World Plan to include

deliver within the existing staffing and budget

actions that can be delivered in different ways

framework over the timeframe of the plan.

and at different times by Member Federations

A key role of World Athletics across all theand Areas, with the support of World Athletics,

World Plan objectives is providing the Member

dependent on individual priorities, resources

Federations and Areas with appropriate

and capacity.

support and tools to empower delivery andimplementation of the actions.

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5.5 GENDER LEADERSHIP TASKFORCE

5.5 GENDER LEADERSHIP TASKFORCE

5.5 GENDER
LEADERSHIPTASKFORCE• build the pipeline of talented and

GENDER LEADERSHIP SEMINARS

empowered female administrators, coaches

During 2021, 11 gender leadership-based women’s activities took place across the six Areas,

and technical officials

involving over 600 participants. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, all activities took place online.

• drive gender leadership programmes toensure the 50% gender targets by 2027
are met.

COMPOSITION OF THE TASKFORCEThe Gender Leadership Taskforce (GLT) is

The International Relations & Development

comprised of the following members:

department has an overarching role in• Stephanie HIGHTOWER, Chair

supporting the work of the GLT and ensuring• Ximena RESTREPO, Council Member

agreed actions are progressed through regular• Beatrice AYIKORU, Council Member andreview and follow up.

Development Commission Member• Jaya MYLVAGANAM, Member

MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES• Annette PURVIS, Development Commission

The GLT held monthly meetings in 2021

Membervia video conference to maintain positive• Kelly SOTHERTON, Member

momentum and ensure delivery of the agreed• Nuala WALSH, Member

actions, which were as follows for 2021:• Deliver Gender Leadership seminars in each

INTRODUCTIONof the Areas

The role of the GLT is to provide oversight of• Deliver a series of Global Gender Leadershipthe gender leadership strategy to mainstream

educational webinars

equity and ensure sustainable leadership• Develop eLearning modules

pathways for women.

• Manage the Empowering Women
Facebook page

This report summarises the activities and• Monitor and evaluate the seminars andachievements of the Taskforce in 2021, with

progression of participants.

the focus being to support delivery of thegender-based objectives set out in the World
Athletics Strategic Plan 2020-2023:

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5.5 GENDER LEADERSHIP TASKFORCE

5.5 GENDER LEADERSHIP TASKFORCEWORLD ATHLETICSMF INFO SESSIONSThe course was launched on 10 November

MONITORING: GENDER LEADERSHIPGENDER LEADERSHIP

Two Information Sessions dedicated to gender2021. At the end of 2021, over 70 participants

SURVEY DECEMBER 2021

EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS

equity were organised for Member Federations,

had registered and were undertaking the course.

The aim was to support the ongoing monitoring

World Athletics also hosted three Gender

titled ‘Benefits of Embedding Gender Equity’.

and evaluation of the impact of the gender

Modules:

Leadership educational webinars:

leadership activities delivered through World

World Athletics aims to be a role model

Athletics and the progression of participants.

Inside the Discrimination Mind (21 July)organisation and a champion of gender equity

A survey was sent to those who registered for

The webinar focused on understanding theat all levels and the two sessions were organisedscience behind why discrimination happens,to demonstrate the benefits of being a more

how it is unconsciously rationalised, and how

inclusive organisation and to help all MFs topredictable traps can be avoided.

improve gender diversity within their elected

her MF, involved in athletics for over 10 years

bodies and senior management, which is partand primarily a volunteer.

Technical Officials’ Conference (28 Sept)of the World Plan for Athletics 2022-2030.

The objective of the conference was to raise

The target audience for this session was MF

awareness and get people thinking about

Presidents, General Secretaries and Council/

the role of gender in technical officiating and

Board Members, with 57 MFs attending the firstthe barriers that women have faced. Several

session, and 41 the second session.

prominent female international technical officials
and technical officials talked about their journey

ELEARNING MODULES: GENDER

and experiences, followed by discussion with a

LEADERSHIP COURSE

panel of experts.

The eLearning modules were created using

the Educational Webinars. The typical profile of

PRE COURSE

respondents was similar to 2020 and that of amotivated, well-educated woman, connected to

1h 10mMODULE 01

The differences from the 2020 survey in terms

1. Setting the Sceneof responses were:24m• Less said they were volunteers• More said they had faced discrimination

MODULE 02• More said they had taken part in Area
Gender Leadership training.

2. Why Diversity and Gender
Equity is Important49m

the material developed for the original in-

Leadership & Empowerment (4 Nov)

person Gender Leadership Seminar held in late

DEDICATED SOCIAL

The workshop was centred on overcoming

2019. The goal of the course is to develop the

MEDIA PLATFORM

challenges and stereotyping, and teaching

individual both personally and professionally to

The “Empowering Women in Athletics”

participants the basics of self-awareness astake on senior leadership roles. The course is

Facebook page has been regularly supplied withleaders. In addition, tips for networking, such as

free to access and consists of seven modules

content since March 2021 and the number of

improving one’s LinkedIn profile, were sent

(55 lessons, eight hours of learning) with amembers has grown from 20 to 800.

out afterwards.

career and development plan to complete during
the course.

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5.5 GENDER LEADERSHIP TASKFORCE

5.5 GENDER LEADERSHIP TASKFORCECONCLUSION
The work of the GLT will continue in 2022 with
the introduction of new initiatives, namely:• Greater focus on improving age, gender andarea parity among coaches andtechnical officials• Conference at the World Athletics
Championships Oregon22• Dedicated LinkedIn page
• Development of a ‘Train the Trainer’ course to
the Gender Leadership Seminar course• Mentoring programme

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10.50

1400

7.72

13.54

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6. FINANCIAL AUDIT REPORTS

6.1 FINANCIAL AUDIT

6 FINANCIAL &AUDIT REPORTS

6.1 FINANCIAL
AUDIT

INTRODUCTION

The 2021 budget and annual plan were

The Constitution of World Athletics includes aapproved by the Executive Board at the end

requirement to appoint auditors to perform anof 2020 and early 2021 respectively. The

audit of the annual financial statements (Article

financial audit for the year ending 31 December

79.2) and an audit of certain responsibilities

2021 was undertaken by EY in accordance

set out in World Athletics rules and regulations

with the IFRS (EU rules setting out international(Article 79.3).

financial reporting standards) and the fullaudited financial statements for the period 1

To undertake the audits as prescribed in theJanuary until 31 December 2021, which were

Constitution, upon the recommendation of theapproved by the Audit & Finance Committee

Executive Board, the 2021 Congress approved

and subsequently by the Executive Board

the appointments of the following Auditors for

and Council as part of this Annual Report, are2021 until 2024:

provided at Appendix A with details on our• Ernst & Young Audit Conseil & Associés inremuneration policy provided at Appendix B.

Monaco (EY), as Financial Auditors;• Ernst & Young Audit Conseil & Associés inMonaco (EY), as Non-financial Auditors ofGovernance and Ethical Compliance; and,• QSA, as Non-financial Auditors of AntiDoping and Integrity Programme.

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6.2 NON-FINANCIAL AUDITS

6.2 NON-FINANCIAL AUDITS

6.2
NON-FINANCIAL
AUDITS

The subject of the report is to present findings

In conducting the agreed upon audit

from the testing performed by EY at the request

procedures EY has met with a number of Worldof World Athletics specifically in relation to

Athletics employees to understand activity

Article 79.3(a), referred to as the non-financial

during the year and to obtain evidence toaudit on governance and ethical compliance.

support compliance with the requirements set
out in the Constitution and Rules. EY has then

The non-financial audits for 2021 withregards to governance and ethical compliancewere also undertaken by EY, with QSA
independently conducting the 2021 auditof the integrity and anti-doping programmecompliance, including the Athletics Integrity
Unit (AIU).
Summaries of the 2021 non-financial audits(governance and ethical compliance, and antidoping and integrity programme) are provided

The non-financial audit of the anti-doping andpresented their report, including their findings

integrity programme under Article 79.3(b) isand recommendations, to the Executive Board

undertaken by another company, QSA.

Audit & Finance Committee.

The 2021 non-financial audit has not been

Having reviewed the findings andcarried out against any external standard orrecommendations made by EY, the Executive

for the purpose of making recommendations

Board consider that there were no findings

beyond the requirements set out in the

and/or recommendations that were sufficiently

Constitution and Rules. The procedures

significant to merit reporting and will follow-up

performed compare the relevant provisions of

the implementation of the recommendations.

the Constitution and Rules and determine if

below. These audits were approved by the
Executive Board and Council as part ofthis report.

World Athletics has complied with what it is

Anti-Doping and Integrity

required to do, with respect to its governance

Programme Auditand ethical compliance obligations.

The non-financial audit of the anti-doping andintegrity programme under Article 79.3(b) is

Governance and Ethical

The reason for performing “agreed upon audit

Compliance Audit

undertaken by QSA.

procedures” as opposed to a “traditional

EY performed certain “agreed upon audit
procedures” to assist World Athletics inaddressing the requirements set out in
its Constitution and Rules, and to issue a
final report.

audit” has been due to the bespoke nature

The scope of the 2021 audit conducted byof the Constitution and Rules requirements.

QSA was to assess World Athletics’ compliance

The procedures performed are determined bywith its anti-doping and integrity programme

World Athletics and include review of evidence

obligations, as set out in the Constitution andof compliance with the certain provisions ofRules (Integrity Code of Conduct, Athletics

the Constitution and Rules and cover the year

Integrity Unit Rules, Anti-Doping Rules,

ended 31 December 2021.

Athletics Integrity Unit Reporting, Investigation

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6.2 NON-FINANCIAL AUDITS

6.2 NON-FINANCIAL AUDITS

and Prosecution Rules, Manipulation of Sports

The audit highlighted the capacity of the AIU

Competitions Rules, Disciplinary Tribunal Rules,

to identify applicable requirements coming

and Disputes and Disciplinary Proceedings

from World Athletics (as well as WADA), andRules) for the period from 1 January to 31

consequently, develop and adapt its processes

December 2021.

to satisfy these requirements and noted
effective management of the TUE

The audit covered the management by the(therapeutic use exemption) process, as well

AIU of the integrity programme on behalf ofas efforts made to improve education andWorld Athletics in relation to anti-doping,

communication with stakeholders.

manipulation of competition results, bribery
and corruption, betting, age manipulation,

The AIU and World Athletics personnel

irregularities in transfers of allegiance and other

involved in the integrity of athletics isbreaches of the Integrity Code of Conduct.

competent and aware of the organisation

It also included assessing compliance by theobjectives and the applicable risks. The

Disciplinary Tribunal with its functions.

personnel is also aware of the implications of
not conforming to the standards and rules.

The audit was conducted and managed inaccordance with the applicable parts of the

Having reviewed the report, the Executive

standard ISO 19011 Guidelines for Auditing

Board, as well as the AIU Board, took note

Management Systems, using two differentof some findings that had arisen during thechecklists. The first was a detailed list foraudit, but agreed with QSA’s conclusion thatthe governance area, in which evidence of

these did not compromise a general opinion ofcompliance has been collected for eachcompliance with World Athletics requirements.

requirement, and the second was a moregeneral checklist for operational processes
related to anti-doping activities and to combat
against ethical misconduct within athletics.

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APPENDIX A
2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

B

A

2021 AUDITEDFINANCIALS TAT E M E N T S

FINANCIAL REPORT 2021

6-8 Quai Antoine 1er
98000 Monaco

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APPENDIX A

APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

COUNCIL MEMBERS AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERSFINANCIAL REPORT 2021
CONTENTS
Page

Council Members & Professional advisers
Executive Board Members
Statement of Executive Board responsibilities
Independent Auditors' report
Information about the Association and significant events of the period
Consolidated Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies
Notes to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Notes to the consolidated balance sheet
Other disclosures

3
4
5
6
11
14
18
27
32
38

PRESIDENT
Sebastian COE(GREAT BRITAIN & NORTHERN IRELAND)SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT
Sergey BUBKA(UKRAINE)

VICE-PRESIDENTS
Nawaf Bin Mohammed AL SAUD
Geoff GARDNER
Ximena RESTREPO(SAUDI ARABIA)(NORFOLK ISLAND)(COLOMBIA)

COUNCIL MEMBERS
Valerie ADAMS
Dahlan Jumaan AL HAMAD
Beatrice AYIKORU
Sylvia BARLAG
William BANKS
Raul CHAPADO
Nawal EL MOUTAWAKEL
Robin Sapong EUGENIO
Helio Marinho GESTA DE MELO
Alberto JUANTORENA DANGER
Hamad KALKABA MALBOUM
Abby HOFFMAN
Dobromir KARAMARINOV
Renaud LAVILLENIE
Antti PIHLAKOSKI
Anna RICCARDI
Mike SANDS
Adille J. SUMARIWALLA
Nan WANG
Hiroshi YOKOKAWA(NEW ZEALAND)(QATAR)(UGANDA)(NETHERLANDS)(USA)(SPAIN)(MOROCCO)(NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS)(BRAZIL)(CUBA)(CAMEROON)(CANADA)(BULGARIA)(FRANCE)(FINLAND)(ITALY)(BAHAMAS)(INDIA)(CHINA)(JAPAN)CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Jon RIDGEON

AUDITORS

Ernst & Young Audit Conseil & Associes

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APPENDIX A

APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSEXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERSPRESIDENT
Sebastian COE(GREAT BRITAIN & NORTHERN IRELAND)SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT
Sergey BUBKA(UKRAINE)

VICE-PRESIDENTS
Nawaf Bin Mohammed AL SAUD
Geoff GARDNER
Ximena RESTREPO(SAUDI ARABIA)(NORFOLK ISLAND)(COLOMBIA)APPOINTED MEMBERS
Abby HOFFMAN
Sunil SABHARWAL
Hasan ARAT

(CANADA)(UNITED STATES OF AMERICA)(TURKEY)WORLD ATHLETICS FINANCIAL REPORT | p. 4

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APPENDIX A

APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSW O R L D A T H L E T IC S

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance
conclusion thereon.

Year ended 31 December 2021

Independent auditor’s report on consolidated financial statements

To the Executive Board of World Athletics,

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so,
consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in theaudit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is amaterial misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the consolidated Financial Statements

OpinionWe have audited the consolidated financial statements of World Athletics and its subsidiaries which comprise:

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU, and for such internal control as management determines isnecessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due
to fraud or error.

-

the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2021,-

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended,-

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended,

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Association’s ability to continue
as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting
unless management either intends to liquidate the Association or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

-

the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, andThose charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Association’s financial reporting process.

-the notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the consolidated Financial Statements

Due to the global crisis related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the consolidated financial statements of this period have been
prepared and audited under specific conditions. Indeed, this crisis and the exceptional measures taken in the context of the stateof sanitary emergency have had numerous consequences for companies, particularly on their operations and their financing, andhave led to greater uncertainties on their future prospects. Those measures, such as travel restrictions and remote working, havealso had an impact on the companies' internal organization and the performance of the audits.
These financial statements were approved by the Executive Board.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated
financial position of the Association (including World Athletics and its subsidiaries) as at 31 December 2021, and its
consolidated financial performance and consolidated cash flows for the period then ended, in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free frommaterial misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonableassurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs will always detecta material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually orin the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these
consolidated financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout
the audit. We also:•

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or
error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient andappropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud ishigher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, orthe override of internal control.

•

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in
the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Association’s internal
control.

•

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related
disclosures made by management.

Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under thosestandards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report.
We are independent of the Association in accordance with the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants(including International Independence Standards) (IESBA Code) together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our

audit of the consolidated financial statements in Monaco, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordancewith these requirements and the IESBA Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate
to provide a basis for our opinion.

Other Information
Other information consists of the information other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Management
is responsible for the other information.
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APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS•

Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit
evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on
the Association’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to
draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if suchdisclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the dateof our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Association to cease to continue as a going
concern.

•

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure, and content of the consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures,and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fairpresentation.

•

Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within
the Association to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction,
supervision and performance of the audit of the Association (including World Athletics and its subsidiaries). We remainsolely responsible for our audit opinion.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit
and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Consolidated financial statements
according to IFRSINFORMATION ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS OF THE PERIOD ...... 11I.

GENERAL ......................................................................................................................................... 11II.

ABOUT WORLD ATHLETICS ............................................................................................................. 11

III.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS OF THE PERIOD ............................................................................................ 13

IV.

OFFICIAL WORLD ATHLETICS PARTNERS ........................................................................................ 13

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ......................................................................... 14

Restriction on Use of our Repor t
This report is addressed to the Executive Board of the Association. We assume or take no responsibility in respect of a third party
which may use this report.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME.................................................................. 14

This report shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with Monégasque law. The courts of Monaco shall have exclusive
jurisdiction in relation to any claim or dispute concerning the engagement letter or this report, and any matter arising from them.
Each party irrevocably waives any right it may have to object to an action being brought in any of those courts and to claim thatthe action has been brought in an inconvenient forum or that those courts do not have jurisdiction.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET ............................................................................................................ 15

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME .......................................................................................................... 14
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS ....................................................................................... 16
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY ........................................................................... 17

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES ................................................................................ 18

Monaco, 5 September 2022
The independent auditor
ERNST & YOUNG Audit Conseil & Associés

Sandrine Arcin

A.

GENERAL INFORMATION AND STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE ....................................................... 18

B.

BASIS OF PREPARATION ................................................................................................................. 18

C.

CONSOLIDATION PRINCIPLES AND PERIMETER .............................................................................. 19

D.

CURRENCY TRANSLATION............................................................................................................... 20E.

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS ................................................................................................................. 20F.

ACCRUALS AND PROVISIONS .......................................................................................................... 21G.

IOC LOAN ........................................................................................................................................ 21

H.

PENSION OBLIGATIONS .................................................................................................................. 22I.

DEBTORS ......................................................................................................................................... 22J.

REVENUE ........................................................................................................................................ 23

K.

OPERATING EXPENSES .................................................................................................................... 24

L.

FINANCIAL INCOME AND EXPENSES ............................................................................................... 24

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APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

M.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................................... 25

N.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENT .................................................................... 26

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ...................... 27
1.

REVENUE FROM BROADCAST RIGHTS AND SPONSORSHIP RIGHTS ............................................... 27

2.

OTHER REVENUE FROM ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................... 27

3.

COMPETITION AND EVENTS ........................................................................................................... 28

4.

GRANTS AND DEVELOPMENT ......................................................................................................... 29

5.

LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE ............................................................................................................... 30

6.

ADMINISTRATION ........................................................................................................................... 31

7.

FINANCIAL INCOME ........................................................................................................................ 31

8.

FINANCIAL EXPENSES ..................................................................................................................... 31

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET ............................................................... 32
9.

INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY ............................................................................................................... 32

10. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................. 33
11. TRADE RECEIVABLES AND OTHER RECEIVABLES............................................................................. 34
12. CONTRACT ASSETS ......................................................................................................................... 34
13. CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS .......................................................................................................... 35
14. EQUITY ............................................................................................................................................ 35
15. POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT AND SIMILAR OBLIGATIONS ........................................................... 35
16. FINANCIAL LIABILITIES CURRENT AND NON CURRENT ................................................................... 36
17. TRADE PAYABLES ............................................................................................................................ 36
18. OTHER PAYABLES AND ACCRUED EXPENSES .................................................................................. 36
19. DEFERRED INCOME ........................................................................................................................ 37

OTHER DISCLOSURES ........................................................................................................ 38
20. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................................... 38
21. COMMITMENTS GIVEN AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET EVENTS.......... 38
22. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS ....................................................................................................... 38
23. RELATED PARTIES ........................................................................................................................... 38

INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION AND
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS OF THE PERIODI.

GENERAL
Athletics compiles rules with regulations
governing international competitions and fosters
the worldwide development of athletics and thedissemination of technical and other information
to its affiliated entities.

World Athletics is a non-profit-making
association, the members of which are the
National Federations, which represent athletics
in each country of the world. Its object is toestablish legal and friendly cooperation between
all members for the benefit of athletics. WorldII.

ABOUT WORLD ATHLETICSand find new hosts for their events. It is also
fundamental that we fully understand that
athletics is no longer just about highperformance, gold medals and records, but also
about 'sport for all' and about ensuring that the
maximum number of citizens are able toparticipate in athletics.

Athletics, a sport that was founded in Antiquity,
has continued to adapt through the centuries,
offering a dynamic, life-enhancing sport.
On 17 July 1912 in Stockholm, Sweden, following
the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games, theInternational Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF)
was founded as the world governing body for the
sport of track and field athletics.

This means, of course, the thriving world of roadrunning, which is where the majority of people
actually connect directly with the world of
athletics, but it is also athletics in schools, where
World Athletics is keen to ensure that we reachthe maximum number of children, all over theworld, starting at the age of four but also
including youngsters in their teens, where thedrop-off from sport is most acute.

During the 10 decades that followed, athletics
underwent many changes which reflected thepolitical and socio-economic evolution of thewider world. Even the IAAF’s name has changed,
in 2001 becoming the ‘International Associationof Athletics Federations’ to reflect the growth ofa professional sporting world which did not exist
in 1912, and then again in 2019 to 'World
Athletics'.

Despite such inherent benefits, World Athletics
recognises that athletics is competing for the
public’s attention in an ever more varied andcomplex media and entertainment-driven world
but also that we properly embrace matterstouching on social responsibility, theenvironment and all matters that help advanceathletics as a force to change the world for good.

World Athletics was founded to fulfil the need fora world governing authority, for a competition
program, for standardised technical equipment
and for a list of official world records. All of theserequirements remain today.
Yet in an ever-changing world, international
sport federations such as World Athletics need to
be proactive when trying to reach new audiencesWORLD ATHLETICS FINANCIAL REPORT | p. 11

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2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Athletics disciplines are among the oldest of all
sporting competitions known to mankind, with‘run, jump, throw’ the natural and universal
forms of human physical expression. The sportalso offers broader values that help us deal withlife’s challenges.
We are also adapting our competition programs
to reflect the increasing diversity of attractions
from which the public can now choose.
Attracting, and most importantly retaining, theyoung as both participant and spectator are
essential if athletics is to retain its appeal. But weare also closely linked to the masters’ athletics
movement as well as ultra-distance running andmountain and trail racing.

Championships will be hosted in Eugene, USA(2022) and Budapest, Hungary (2023).

III.

The wide variety in the type, size and scope of therest of the events of the World Athletics Series,
with their different demands in terms of logistics,
budget and facilities also means that there areWorld Athletics events available to fit the hosting
ambitions and resources of cities, large andsmall, among most of the Association’s 214
Member Federations.

OLYMPIC GAMESShowing the sport's ability to innovate andrespond to changing demands, an exciting newteam competition, the World Athletics Relays,
was launched in 2014 in Nassau, The Bahamas
and has now been staged on four further
occasions, most recently in Silesia, Poland.

The biennial World Athletics Championships is
the jewel of our World Athletics Series which also
includes indoor, U20, relays, cross country, racewalking and road running throughout a four-year
cycle of events.

This variety extends beyond championships.
In 2010 a new global one-day competition
structure was unveiled. It is headed by the
Diamond League of 14 invitational track and fieldmeetings in Africa, Asia, Europe, and USA. The
Continental Tour, with Gold, Silver and Bronze
one-day meetings held across all six World
Athletics continental areas, along with the Indoor
Tour, Cross Country Tour, Race Walking Tour andCombined Events Tour offer a second tier of eliteinternational competitions. All these play out tolarge stadium, crowds and TV audiences aroundthe world.

Athletics also carries the mantle of being theleading sport of the Olympics Games. Athletics isthe main spectator stadium sport of the Games,
central to the success of each summer edition.
The histories of athletics and the Olympic Gamesare closely entwined and World Athletics is
extremely proud of this association.
Both the World Athletics Championships and the
Olympic Games continue to play to packed
stadiums and attract TV audiences in theirbillions.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS OF THE PERIOD
none of our World Athletics Series events
scheduled to be held during the year werecancelled, the World Athletics Cross Country
Championships in Bathurst, Australia and theWorld Athletics Indoor Championships inNanjing, China which were both originallyscheduled for 2021 were both postponed to2023, and some Area competitions for 2021 havealso been postponed or cancelled.

The Olympic Games that were postponed from2020 were held in Tokyo during 2021. The Games
were an excellent showcase for someoutstanding Athletics competition this year.
Following the Games being held in 2021, World
Athletics received its share of the Olympic
Dividend from the International Olympic
Committee (IOC) amounting to $39.48m.

For the first seven months of 2021, we continued
to utilise the benefit provided by the
Monegasque Government to put a portion of ourstaff on furlough.

COVID-19
Consequent to the ongoing impact caused by
Covid-19 pandemic, a number of athletics eventson our calendar were postponed during 2020
and 2021. During 2021 we held two World
Athletics Series events – the World Athletics
Relays in Silesia, Poland and the World Athletics
U20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya. WhileIV.

The Association continues to have strong longterm revenue commitments and has sufficient
cash and reserves to continue with day-to-day
operations and to meet future liabilities as theycome due.

OFFICIAL WORLD ATHLETICS PARTNERS

As World Athletics continues in its second
century of existence, our aim is to further
enhance our vibrant sport to offer new andexciting prospects for athletes and spectators
alike. We are working hard to ensure that every
area of our sport is reviewed, tested andencouraged to strive for athletics excellence.

The marketing potential of each edition of theWorld Athletics Championships is excellent with
only the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup aheadof it in terms of global reach and impact. The next
two editions of the World Athletics

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APPENDIX A

APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVEINCOME

in k USD
Assetsin k USD
Revenue

Note

2021
268

402

Property, plant & equipment
Long term financial assets

10

5,324
211

6,135
210

Investments in equity-accounted investees

9Intangible assets

Note

2021

2020

1
2

38,241
44,62834,945
9,294

Non-current assets

82,86944,239Trade receivables
Prepayments & tax receivables
Other receivables

Television Rights & Sponsorship
Other revenue
Total revenue
Expenses

2020

472

531

6,275

7,278

11

373

521

11
11

505
21,644

814
1,171

12
13

0
53,5895,781
40,048Competitions & Events
Grants & Development

3
4

23,536
9,076

15,004
8,028

Contract assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Legal & Compliance
Administration

5
6

13,138
6,898

11,922
6,782

Current assets

76,111

48,335

Total assets

82,38655,613

Total expenses

52,64841,736

Operating Profit

30,221

2,503

Reserve Fund
General Fund

10,00020,93410,00018,868

597
-987

302
-922

-390

-620

Financial Income
Financial Expenses

7
8

Financial Result (Loss)
Share of (loss)/profit on investment in equity

9

Profit for the year

-59

188

29,772

2,071

Profit/loss of the year

29,7722,071

1460,70630,939Trade payables
Other payables and accrued expenses

17
18

4,235
7,323

3,041
7,189

Financial liabilities
Deferred income

16
19

253
4,655

320
3,475

16,466

14,025

Total equity & reserves (general funds)
Liabilities

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Current liabilities
Note

in k USD
Profit for the year
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Actuarial gains (losses) on retirement benefit obligations
Items that will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
when specific conditions are met
Currency translation differences

15

Other comprehensive (expense)/income
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year

2021
29,772

2020
2,071

-5

6

-

-

-5

6

29,7682,077

Provisions

15

769

1,229

Financial liabilities
Deferred income

16
19

2,511
1,935

2,830
6,590

Non-current liabilities

5,214

10,649Total liabilities

21,68024,674

Total liabilities and reserves

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APPENDIX A

APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Notein k USD
Operating activities
Net result for the year

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
2021

2020

29,772

2,071

in k USD

Net financial /expense
Depreciation

7,8
10

390
1,118

502
1,023

As at 31 December 2019

Share of loss (profit) on investment in equity
Increase/(Decrease) in provisions for pension obligations

9
15

59
-461

-188
128

Net income allocation(Increase)/Decrease in receivables(Increase)/Decrease in contract assets

11
12-23,493
5,781

11,331
3,563

1,202

-11,493

14,368

6,937

Increase/(Decrease) in payables

17,18

Net cash generated by operating activities
Investing activities(Purchase)/sale of property, plant & equipment(Purchase)/sale of intangible assets

10

Net cash (used)/generated in investing activities
Proceed from new loans / borrowings
Reimbursement of loans / borrowings
Interest received
Interest paid

10
10
7
8

Net cash used in financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash & cash equivalents
Cash & cash equivalents as at 1 January

13

-172

-661

0
-472

172
-412

32
-215

23
-313

-655

-530

13,541

5,746

Actuarial loss on retirement benefit
obligations, net of taxes
Other comprehensive income for theperiodProfit for the year
Total comprehensive income for theperiodAs at 31 December 2021

34,302

13,541

5,746

Cash & cash equivalents as at 31 December

53,58940,04818,862

28,862

-

-

6

6

6

6

-

As at 31 December 2020

Transfer fromincome statement

Total equity

2,071

-

2,071

-

2,077

-

2,077

10,00020,939-30,939Profit for the year
Total comprehensive income for theperiod-588-74

40,04810,000

Actuarial loss on retirement benefit
obligations, net of taxes
Other comprehensive income for theperiod-1720

Net increase/(decrease) in cash & cash equivalents

Reserve Fund

Other Reserves
Transfer fromincomeNet income allocation

-

-

-

-5

-5

-5

-5

29,772-

29,772-

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APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
years presented, unless otherwise stated. The
financial statements are for the Associationconsisting of World Athletics and its subsidiaries.

This note provides a list of the significant
accounting policies adopted in the preparation ofthese consolidated financial statements. These
policies have been consistently applied to all the

A.

GENERAL INFORMATION AND STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

World
Athletics’consolidated
financialstatements for the year ended 31 December
2021 have been prepared in accordance with the
IFRS as adopted by the European Union. Thesestandards are available on the European Union’s
website at:https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economyeuro/company-reporting-andauditing/company-reporting/financialreporting_en#ifrs-financial-statements.

B.

The financial statements are accompanied bydisclosures deemed to be material as required byregulation no. 1606/2002 of the European
Parliament and of the council, which areavailable on the European Union’s website at:https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/internationalaccounting-standards-regulation-ec-no-16062002_en

BASIS OF PREPARATIONof the Covid-19 pandemic and the measures
adopted by the governments worldwide to
mitigate its spread impacted the Association in
2020. These measures led to the cancellation ofmany sporting events during 2020, and mostimportantly to the rescheduling of the Olympic
Games in 2021. This had negatively impacted the
Association’s financial performance during 2020
and also its liquidity position. A loan agreementwith the IOC for US$7.5m had been contracted
during 2020. Reimbursement of the loan took
place upon the payment of the Olympic Dividendby the IOC for the Tokyo Olympic Games,
received in 2021.

The financial statements have been prepared ona going concern basis, under the historic costconvention, except for the following:

•
•

–
–

certain financial assets and liabilities(including derivative instruments),
certain classes of property, plant andequipment and investment property –measured at fair value
assets held for sale – measured at fairvalue less costs to sell, anddefined benefit pension plans – plan
assets measured at fair value.

Also, to respond to a severe downside scenario,
due to another global crisis, management cantake the following mitigating actions to reduce
costs, optimise the Association’s cash flow andpreserve liquidity:

Management has concluded that the Association
has adequate resources to continue in operation
for at least the next 12 months from 31
December 2021 and that the going concern basisof accounting remains appropriate. The outbreak•

reducing
non-essential
capitalexpenditure and deferring or cancelling
discretionary spend;
freezing non-essential recruitment;
andreducing marketing spend.

•

New and amended standards adopted by the
Association•

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform Phase 2– Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7,
IFRS 4 and IFRS 16,
Decision of the IFRS IC concerning IAS 19"Employee Benefits" on the calculationof obligations relating to certain defined
benefit pension plans.
The Association also elected to adopt thefollowing amendments early:

The Association has applied the following
standards and amendments for the first time for
their annual reporting period commencing 1
January 2021:

C.

Going concern

•

–

•

Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards
2018-2020 Cycle.

The amendments listed above did not have any
impact on the amounts recognised in prior andcurrent periods and are not expected tosignificantly affect the current or future periods.

Covid-19-related Rent Concessions –Amendments to IFRS 16,

CONSOLIDATION PRINCIPLES AND PERIMETER
the power to participate in the financial andoperating policy decisions of that entity but does
not have the power to exercise control or joint
control over those policies. Under the equity
method, the investment is initially recognised atcost, and subsequently adjusted to reflectchanges in the net assets of the associate or joint
venture.

The Association consolidates its subsidiaries, i.e.
entities directly or indirectly controlled by the
Association. The Association controls an entity
when (i) it is exposed to, or has rights, to variable
returns from its involvement with the entity, and(ii) it has the ability to affect those returns
through its power over the entity.
Subsidiaries are accounted for using the fullconsolidation method from the date the
Association obtains control and until the
Association loses control of the subsidiary.

The perimeter of the consolidation is comprisedof World Athletics and World Athletics
Productions Ltd, partially owned by World
Athletics (50%) and recorded as equity
accounted investment.

Entities over which the Association has joint
control or significant influence are accounted forusing the equity method. The Association is
generally presumed to have significant influencewhen it holds at least approximatively 50% of theentity’s voting rights. The Association exercises
significant influence over an entity when it has

World Athletics has the ability to exercise
significant influence over this entity andconcluded this investment should be recorded as
equity accounted investment.

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D.

APPENDIX A

APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSF.

CURRENCY TRANSLATION
Transactions in currencies that are not the US
dollar are translated into US dollars at thetransaction date exchange rate.

The consolidated financial statements arepresented in Thousands of United States Dollars,
the functional currency of the Association at theexchange closing rate. Any resulting exchange
differences are recognised in the statement ofcomprehensive income.

E.

Monetary assets and liabilities whose currency is
not US dollars are translated into US dollars at
the closing exchange rate.

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
equipment are recognised in the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income.
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis
over its estimated useful lives that are as follows:

Property, plant and equipment are measured atcost less accumulated depreciation andaccumulated impairment losses. Gains andlosses on the disposal of property, plant andOffice furniture and equipment
Computer equipment
Leasehold improvements
Motor cars

5 to 10 years
5 years
up to 15 years
5 yearsincremental borrowing rate, which is a risk-freerate adjusted to reflect the specific risk profile ofWorld Athletics. Because lease payments are
spread over the lease term, the Association
applies a discount rate based on the duration of
those payments.

Leases contracted by the Association areaccounted for in accordance with IFRS 16(Leases). The Association recognises a right-ofuse asset and a lease liability for all of its lease
contracts, except for (i) leases relating to lowvalue assets and (ii) short-term leases (12months or less). Payments made in respect ofleases not recognised on the balance sheet arerecognised as an operating expense on astraight-line basis over the lease term.

The payments used to determine the liability for
future lease payments exclude non-lease
components but include fixed payments that the
Association expects to make to the lessor overthe estimated lease term.

On commencement of a lease, the liability for
future lease payments is discounted at the

ACCRUALS AND PROVISIONS
specific circumstances justify the balance to be
maintained in the balance sheet.

A provision is recognised when World Athletics
has a legal or constructive obligation towards a
third party as a result of a past event, when it isprobable that an outflow or economic benefits
will be required to settle the obligation and whena reliable estimate can be made of future cash
outflows.

Payables are not interest bearing and are statedat their nominal value.
Contingent liabilities are not recognised unlessthe likelihood of a liability is probable. They aredisclosed in the notes to the financial statements
unless the possibility of an outflow of economic
resources is remote.

Any accrued liability not consumed within two
years after the recognition date shall be reversedin the consolidated income statement unless

G.

IOC LOAN
recorded as current deferred income as of 31
December 2020. The amount of US$7.5m thathas already been received was reduced from thefull Olympic Dividend that was due to World
Athletics at the end of the Tokyo Olympics.

Once in a 4-year cycle, when the Olympic Gamesare held, the International Olympic Committee(IOC) pays an Olympic Dividend of approximately
US$40m to World Athletics. This revenue, as
defined by IFRS 15, is recognised post thesuccessful completion of the Olympic Games. In
2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Tokyo
Olympics have been postponed to 2021. To takecare of cash flow concerns arising from thispostponement, the IOC entered into a loan
agreement with World Athletics for an amount of
US$7.5m. Of this amount, US$2.5m was received
by World Athletics in 2020 and the balance
US$5m in early 2021. This loan has been

The Tokyo Olympic Games were held during2021. As expected, World Athletics received an
Olympic Dividend of US$39.48m (including the
IOC loan previously discussed), which has been
fully recognised through profit & loss in 2021
(refer to note 2. Other revenue from activities).

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APPENDIX A

APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJ.

PENSION OBLIGATIONS
benefit obligation. This cost is included in
employee benefit expense in the statement of
profit or loss.

The retirement benefit obligations relate to
Monaco employees. Under legislation in
Monaco, the Association is required to provide a
pension based on legal requirements, or, on thecollective labor agreement requirements if theseones are more advantageous than legal. For
Monaco employees, pensions are computed
based upon the last twelve months grossremuneration, excluding bonuses and othercomplementary remuneration. The liability
which is paid once upon the retirement of theemployee is recognised in the balance sheet inrespect of these defined benefit pension plans.
This is the present value of the defined benefit
obligation at the end of the reporting period. The
defined benefit obligation is calculated each year
using the projected unit credit method. The
present value of the defined benefit obligation isdetermined by discounting the estimated future
cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality
corporate bonds that are denominated in thecurrency in which the benefits will be paid, andthat have terms approximating to the terms of
the related obligation.

Remeasurement gains and losses arising fromexperience adjustments and changes in actuarial
assumptions are recognised in the period inwhich they occur, directly in othercomprehensive income. They are included inretained earnings in the statement of changes inequity and in the balance sheet.
The decision of the IFRS IC, published on 24 May
2021, concludes, in this case, that no rights are
acquired in the event of departure before
retirement age and that the rights are capped
after a certain number of years of seniority ("X"),and the commitment would only be recognised
for the last X years of the employee's career
within the company.
This decision was implemented by the
Association at 31 December 2021 for plans fallingwithin the scope of the Interpretation
Committee's decision. The effect of this
implementation is considered not material.

The net interest cost is calculated by applying thediscount rate to the net balance of the definedI.

DEBTORSfinancing components, when they are recognised
at fair value. The Association holds the tradereceivables with the objective to collect thecontractual cash flows and therefore measuresthem subsequently at amortized cost using theeffective interest method.

Trade receivables are amounts due from
customers for services performed in the ordinary
course of business. They are all classified as
current. Trade receivables are recognised initiallyat the amount of consideration that is
unconditional unless they contain significant

REVENUEare accounted for on the basis of the value of inkind contribution.

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it isprobable that the Association will derive
economic benefit from it and that the revenue
can be reliably measured.
World Athletics related revenue
primarily of the following items:••••

During 2018, an amendment to the agreement
for the period of 2020-2029 was signed. This new
agreement calls for a minimum guarantee overthe 10-year period of US$130m. The agreement
for commercial Sponsorship also includes a
profit-share income clause.

consists

television rights (e.g., media rights)
commercial rights (e.g., sponsorship)value in kindtechnical certification

The performance obligations are identified as theright to access intellectual property and as suchrevenue is recognised on a straight-line basis
over the term of the contract.

The exclusive broadcast partners payment isreceived twice per year and covers the broadcast
rights for all World Athletics events for the year.
The current agreement was signed in April 2018
and covers the period from 1 January 2018 to 31
December 2023.

For profit share revenue recognition,
management
exercises
itsjudgement
to determine an estimate of the profit sharedirectly attributable to the financial year andrecognises this in the period it is earned.

Commercial sponsorship income is split in threeparts: the first part corresponds to theCommercial rights and yearly invoices amounts
to US$8.5m per year. The second part relates to
the TV rights in Japan which generates a revenueof US$4.5m per year. The third part relates tocommission based on the value in kind undersponsorship contracts. Value in kind in the formof products and services supplied by sponsors foruse in events and is recognised as revenue andexpenses in the consolidated statement ofcomprehensive income. Commissions on value inkind due to the Association’s marketing partner

Technical certifications provided by World
Athletics are performed at a point in time with acertification duration of three or five years,
regarding sportive infrastructures. Revenue
generated from Technical certifications is
recognised at a point in time when the technicalcertification is provided.
The performance obligations have been
determined for each contract and the revenue
recognition method for each contract has been
determined in accordance with IFRS 15.

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APPENDIX A

APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

M. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENTOPERATING EXPENSES
marketing, promotion, publications, hospitality
and other event expenses), information
technology, employee salaries and benefits,depreciation and amortization of non-current
assets.

Total expenses are the gross outflow of
economic benefits that arise from the ordinary
activity of organising an event as well as fromWorld Athletics administrative activities.
Total expenses consist primarily of the following
items: contributions to member federations,anti-doping integrity unit, event expenses (direct
event expenses, broadcast and media,

L.

Expenditure relating to future events is deferred
and recognised in the consolidated income
statement when the event takes place

The Association’s overall risk management
program focuses on the unpredictability of thefinancial markets and seeks to minimise any
potential adverse effects on the Association’s
financial performance.

equivalents, and deposits with banks andfinancial institutions, as well as credit exposure
to customers, including outstanding receivables
and committed transactions. The credit risk onreceivables is mitigated by the quality of theclient.

The Management Board provides principles forthe overall management of risks such as foreignexchange risk, credit risk and liquidity risk.

Credit risk linked to cash, deposits and current
financial instruments is not material given thequalityofthefinancial
institutions’counterparties.

(a)

FINANCIAL INCOME AND EXPENSES-

The financial income and financial expenses
include the following:- financial income, consisting of interest
income from interest-bearing assets, aswell as realised and unrealised foreignexchange gains;

financial expenses comprising realised
and unrealised foreign exchange losses
as well as bank charges and any interest
costs.

Foreign exchange risk(c)

The Association operates internationally and is
exposed to foreign exchange risk arising fromtransactions denominated in currencies otherthan the United States Dollar, which is thefunctional and presentation currency of the
Association.

Management monitors rolling forecasts of the
Association’s liquidity requirements on aquarterly basis to ensure it has enough cash
available to meet its operational needs.
Expenditure trends are balanced with committed
revenues to ensure adequate liquidity is
maintained.

Operating income/expenses and the cash flowsof the Association are affected by exchange rate
fluctuations, principally between the Euro andthe US Dollar. The Association estimates that the
impact in absolute terms of a 10% increase or
decrease in this rate on its operating income forthe year ended 31 December 2021 would nothave been material.

World Athletics benefits from long term
Commercial and Broadcast contracts thatprovide flexibility in managing operational cashneeds. In addition, the Olympic Dividend
generally received every four years allows the
Association to smoothen its long-term
expenditure patterns.

During the periods presented, the Association
did not engage in any hedging operations.
(b)

Liquidity risk

As a result of Covid-19, the IOC Olympic Dividend
had been delayed to 2021. As the Tokyo Olympic
Games happened in 2021, this amount ofdividend has been received at the end of theGames.

Credit risk

Credit risk is managed on an Association-widebasis. Credit risk arises from cash and cash

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APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENT
determining the net pension obligations (seenote 15).

The preparation of financial statements requires
the use of accounting estimates which, bydefinition, will seldom equal the actual results.
Management also needs to exercise judgement
in applying the Association’s accounting policies.

Television rights and commercial rights
performance obligations. Management uses its
judgement todetermine
the uniqueperformance obligation, which is defined as theright to access intellectual property.

This note provides an overview of the areas thatinvolved a higher degree of judgement orcomplexity, and of items which are more likely to
be materially adjusted due to estimates andassumptions turning out to be wrong. Detailed
information about each of these estimates andjudgements is included in other notes together
with information about the basis of calculationfor each affected line item in the financial
statements.

Accrual of profit share expectation forthe year. Management exercises its judgement
to determine an estimate of the profit sharedirectly attributable to the financial year andwhen the recognition criteria has been met.
Value in kind amount for year included inrevenue. Management is required to estimate
the fair value of any value in kind goods orservices received during the period and record
these amounts as revenue and expenses.
Determining fair value requires management toexercise significant judgement. In the event fairvalue cannot be reasonably estimated, no value
is recognised.

Estimation of post-employment benefits
and other employee benefits. The Association
has obligations to pay certain pension benefits tocertain employees. The cost of these benefits
and the present value depend on several factors
including salary increases and discount rates.
Management estimates these factors in

Notes to the consolidated statement of comprehensive
income1. REVENUE FROM BROADCAST RIGHTS AND SPONSORSHIP RIGHTS
in k USD
Broadcast Rights

2021
14,725

2020
14,775

Commercial Rights

13,00013,000Commercial Rights (Profit share)

5,712

5,751

Value in kind

3,424

1,419

Diamond League

1,380

-

Total revenue from Broadcast Rights and Commercial Rights

38,241

34,945

2. OTHER REVENUE FROM ACTIVITIES
2021

in k USD

2020

Olympic Dividend

39,478-Russian Athletics Federation reimbursement

1,532

6,815

International Olympic Committee Development program contribution
World Athletics certification system
Court of Arbitration for Sport refund

250

250

1,416

1,439

43

21

Other income

1,908

769

Total revenue from other activities

44,628

9,294

Other revenue includes monies received across a host of miscellaneous areas; the largest portion for 2021
pertains to a reimbursement for Legal and Task Force related costs arising from the suspension of theRussian Athletics Federation.
Certification income pertains to monies received from across the globe where World Athletics assists indefining and measuring standards for tracks and equipment used in athletics events.
Incomes from our Label Road Race program and out-of-competition anti-doping testing are included inother income.

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APPENDIX A

APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. GRANTS AND DEVELOPMENT
3. COMPETITION AND EVENTS

in k USD
Area Development grant (a)in k USDWorld Athletics Series Competitions

2021
1,453

2020
477

Diamond League

2,464

961

Olympic Games

1,390

276

WA Tours & Permit

1,286

857

Other expenses (Competition & Events)

1,032

1,005

Staff costs and consultants

2,030

1,819

Competition & Events

9,655

5,395

Value in kind commissions

3,852

1,597

Information technology

3,504

2,822

Broadcasting

1,392

1,069

Marketing

762

488

Commercial partnerships

430

392

3,190

2,628

751

613

23,53615,004

Communication & publications
Health & science
Total Competition and Events

This includes spend on our World Athletics Series (WAS) events and costs for departments that work mostclosely with our event cycle.
The significant impact of Covid-19 on our Competition and Events cycle in 2020 led to greatly reduced
spends in this part of our business. In comparison, during 2021 we were able to host more events and saw
an improved cycle of events within our Member Federations and the Area Associations. Our otherdepartments that closely support our annual events cycle were also able to execute on more activities andprojects in support of these events. Consequently, the overall spends by department included above arehigher in 2021.
Our WAS events are held on a biannual basis. During 2021 we had two WAS events (WRE, Silesia 2021 and
WU20, Nairobi 2021) compared to only one during 2020 (WHM, Gdynia 2020). In addition, we saw thesuccessful conclusion to the Tokyo Olympic Games that were postponed from 2020.
The above total includes our annual spend towards the support we offer to the Diamond League. Also
included in this total is the support we offer to the World Athletics Continental Tour, World Athletics
Indoor Tour, World Athletics Cross Country Tour, World Athletics Race Walking Tour, and World Athletics
Combined Events Tour.
Staff costs across all our departments are higher in 2021 and should be viewed in the context of a reduced
furlough benefit received in 2021 from the Monegasque Government as compared to 2020.

Education
Publications (NSA)
Other items
Staff costs

2021
1,418

2020
1,306

683

280

0

2

275

519

992

792

Area Administration grant (b)

1,450

1,450

Competition grant (c)

1,041

1,280

Member Federation grant (d)

1,591

1,510

Athletics Olympic dividend (e)

1,574

889

Continental program, exceptional support & tracks
Total Grants and Development

54

0

9,076

8,028

This includes World Athletics spend on the Development of the sport and the support that we offer to ourMember Federations and Area Associations.
The reduced impacts coming from Covid-19 during 2021 are the primary drivers for increased activity andproportionately higher spends on Education and the Athletics Olympic Dividend (AOD). Following theinitial 4-year cycle from 2016 to 2019 of the AOD grant, the grant principles and eligibility were refined forthe 2-year 2020-21 cycle. As 2021 marks the end of this initial 2-year cycle, and due to the limited activity
in 2020, AOD spends are higher in 2021.
Area Development grant (a) are paid annually to support Area Associations to deliver development andeducation programs primarily through the Area Development Centres (ADCs). The Areas determine theirbusiness plans and activities to be supported based on the needs of their member federations with World
Athletics providing an oversight role. The Areas are responsible for the day-to-day management of the
ADCs in their respective region and for the selection and organisation of educational coaching courses andseminars. Two activities remain mandatory at the ADCs – women’s and youth.
Area Administration grants (b) are paid annually to assist Area Associations to operate and include:••

Maintaining a permanent office as HQ
Defraying costs of rent, utilities, internet, telephone, website, office supplies, staff salaries,
institutional meetings and other costs.

Area Competition grants (c) are paid annually to support the organisation and delivery of competitions at
a continental level including:•••

Regional and International Competitions
Area Championships
One-day Continental Tour meetings.

Member Federation grants (d) are paid annually to ensure the Member Federation can function and meetits basic membership obligations. It covers:••

Administration (including staff, office, utilities and communication equipment)
Organisation (national championships)

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APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Travel to competitions.

Athletics Olympic Dividend grant (e) is a 2-year project-based grant designed to provide tailored support
across the 2-year period to meet Member Federations individual strategic priorities focused on thedelivery of activity within one of the following five areas:
•
•
•
•
•

Provide education and training
Provide equipment
Support development and delivery of competitions
Support athletes (training, competition, talent ID)
Supports youth and grassroots projects (mass participation and school projects).

in k USD
Administration

2021
5,084

2020
5,264

Amortisation

1,118

1,023

Heritage
Total Administration

696

495

6,898

6,782

This includes spend for our administrative departments such as Finance, Human Resources and Heritage
along with their associated staff costs. Expenses such as Audit fees, rentals, telephony, travel andtranslation are all included here.

5. LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE
in k USD

6. ADMINISTRATION

Congress

2021
178

2020
0

World Athletics Council and Executive Board

991

928

World Athletics committees

08World Athletics Independent Ethics Board

91

178

As mentioned before, Staff costs between 2020 and 2021 are not comparable due to the significant benefit
arising from our ability to put staff on furlough in 2020. Spend in our Heritage department was significantly
lower in 2020 since Covid-19 impacted our inability to host global exhibitions.

7. FINANCIAL INCOME

1,315

568

in k USD

2021

2020

International Associations meetings

48

63

Foreign exchange

288

221

Staff costs

539

472

Interests

309

81

Governance

3,160

2,218

Financial income

597

302

Athletics Integrity Unit

8,809

7,857

Legal

1,168

1,847

Total Compliance

13,138

11,922

World Athletics working groups

This includes World Athletics spend on Governance activities, Legal & Regulatory spend and spend
associated with the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).

This includes our financial incomes during the year primarily related to the multi-currency impacts fromour business operations.

8. FINANCIAL EXPENSES

The AIU is an independent body created by World Athletics that manages all integrity issues – both doping
and non-doping – for the sport of athletics. Their annual budget is approved by the World Athletics
Executive Board. The total AIU spend as shown above includes amounts reimbursed by the Russian
Athletics Federation that have been shown as income in ‘Other Revenue’.

in k USD

2021

2020

Foreign exchange

235

475

Bank charges

112

208

Interest expense

633

221

Legal costs are significantly lower in 2021 and show the impact of reduced litigation spend and alsosignificantly reduced external dependance on Legal advisors.

Post-employment benefit obligations

During 2021 we held our first ever virtual Congress leading to a significantly reduced spend compared toprevious years.

This includes financial and bank charges incurred during the year.

Financial expenses

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7

17

987

922

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APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10.

Notes to the consolidated balance sheet

9. INVESTMENTS IN EQUITYPROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENTThe Right of Use of assets detailed below predominantly relates to leased offices premises.

in k USD
Significant influence

2021

2020

Carrying amount as of January 1st

531

343

Share of profit / (loss) on investment in equity

-59

188

472

531

Investment at cost
Investments in equity as of December 31st

Investments in equity are related to World Athletics Productions Ltd, partly owned by World Athletics(50%).
World Athletics Productions Ltd
in k USD
Current Assets

2021
7 187

2020
2 139

Current Liabilities

6 701

1 544

Revenue

2 422

311

Profit/(loss)

-118

-97

Furthermore, World Athletics holds a 6% investment in Nitro Athletics Australia which is held at nil value.

Property, plant and equipment break down as follows:in k USD
Cost
Balance as of
31 December
2020
Additions
Balance as of
31 December
2021
Accumulated
depreciation
Balance as of
31 December
2020
Depreciation
Balance as of
31 December
2021
Net carrying
amountAs of 31
December 2020
As of 31
December 2021

Officefurniture &equipment

Computerequipment

Leaseholdimprovements

Motor cars

Right of use of
asset

Total

629

2 033

4 555

82

4 059

11 358

1

171

-

-

-

172

630

2 204

4 555

82

4 059

11 530

320

1 413

2 027

82

1 381

5 223

62

207

341

-

374

984

381

1 619

2 368

82

1 755

6 206

309

620

2 528

0

2 678

6 135

248

585

2 187

0

2 304

5 324

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APPENDIX A

APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

13.

TRADE RECEIVABLES AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
2021

2020

in USD
Trade receivables

Gross
606

Provision
232

Net
373

Net
521

Trade receivables

606

232

373

521

2021

2020

in USD
Receivables from directors

Gross
3

Provision

Net
3

Net
4

Other receivables

22,355715

21,641

1,168

Other receivables & current assets

22,358715

21,644

1,171

Prepayments

86

86

252

Tax receivables (VAT)

419

419

562

Prepayments & tax receivables

505

505

814

-

Trade receivables and other receivables that are not yet due are not considered impaired. The main
reasons for the increase in other receivables at the end of 2021 is on account of a receivable from Dentsu
for the profit share payable to World Athletics for 2020-2021 amounting to US$11.4m; the final instalmentof our Olympic Dividend due from the IOC amounting to US$6.3m; and a receivable from the World
Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade 2022 amounting to US$2m. All of these amounts have beensubsequently received in 2022.
Allowances for doubtful accounts amounted to US$715k in 2021, with no variation compared to 2020.

12.

CONTRACT ASSETS

in k USD
Dentsu Profit Sharing

2021
-

2020
5,781

Total Contract Assets

-

5,781

Contract assets correspond to receivables related to the Commercial Rights profit share. The amount of
US$5,781k was related to the profit share revenue earned for the period 2020-2021. As of 31 December
2021, this profit share has been fully received.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

As of 31 December 2021, this item comprised cash at bank of US$53,589k. There are no short-term
investments.
Cash and cash equivalents break down as follows:
2021
52,988in k USD
US Dollars
Other currencies
Deposit and current accounts

2020
38,829589

1,206

53,57740,035US Dollars

1

1

Other currencies

11

12

Cash on hand

12

13

53,58940,048

Total cash and cash equivalents

14.

EQUITYThe change in equity from 2020 to 2021 is on account of profit of US$29,772k.

15.

POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT AND SIMILAR OBLIGATIONS
Post-employment benefit obligationsin k USD
Balance as of 31 December 2020

1,229

Operating costs-473

Financial expense

7

Other comprehensive expense

5

Balance as of 31 December 2021

769

The pension obligation is unfunded and therefore, no pension assets are held by World Athletics.
Furthermore, the changes of the significant actuarial assumptions were considered as not significant in
the context of the consolidated financial statements. The main impact of the decrease is related to theimplementation of the IFRS IC standard regarding post-employment benefits computation (refer to noteH).
The significant actuarial assumptions were as follows:- Assumptions regarding future mortality are set based on actuarial advice in accordance with publishedstatistics and experience in the region (INSEE 2015-2017 mortality table). These assumptions translate into
an average life expectancy in years for a pensioner retiring the ages of 62 for employees, and 63 formanagement.

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APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- Probability of departure before retirement age for current employees.
- Financial discount rate of 0,95% and salary increase rate of 4% for the pension obligation as of 31
December 2021

16.

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES CURRENT AND NON CURRENT

in k USD

2021

Current financial liabilities

253

320

Non-current financial liabilities

2,511

2,830

Total lease liabilities

2,763

3,149

DEFERRED INCOME

in k USD

2021

2020

Current deferred income

4,655

3,475

Non-current deferred income

1,935

6,590

Deferred income

6,590

10,0652020

The financial liabilities balance as shown above is comprised of lease liabilities under IFRS 16. Of the total
payable of US$3,149k, the amount due in the next 12 months is US$253k, amount due between 1 and 5
years is US$1,079k and the amount due in more than 5 years is US$1,431k.

17.

19.

Current deferred income amounts include US$1,705k from television rights and sponsorships contracts,and US$2,950k related to World Athletics Series events which are scheduled to be held in 2022.
Non-current deferred income consists of US$1,705k from television rights and sponsorships contracts andUS$230k received as advance payments against future events.

TRADE PAYABLES

in USD

2021

2020

Trade payables

4,235

3,041

Trade payables

4,235

3,041

Trade Payables include dues for regular operating expenses incurred by the Association. These include apayable amount to World Athletics Productions for US$1,854k. Another reason for the variance is on
account US$2,381k of invoices pertaining to 2021 received after the cut-off date of 31 December 2021.

18.

OTHER PAYABLES & ACCRUED EXPENSES

in k USD

2021

Payable to directors

138

125

Other payables

6,108

5,792

Accrued expenses

1,077

1,272

Tax payables
Other payables & accrued expenses

2020

0

1

7,323

7,189

Other payables as of 31 December 2021, includes expenditure related to 2021 for which invoices were notreceived until 31 December 2021.
This amount is primarily made up of expenditure around Grants given to Area Associations and Member
Federations that have not been paid yet, Prize money payments due for 2021 events and Bid guarantees
received from hosts of our future World Athletic Series events. All of these expenses will be settled during2022.
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WORLD ATHLETICS FINANCIAL REPORT | p. 37

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APPENDIX A

APPENDIX A

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2021 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER DISCLOSURES20.

In 2021, World Athletics has recorded an amount of US$170k payable to the Complete Leisure Group, forservices and workspace of an executive assistant to the President during time spent in London inconnection with World Athletics business, provided at cost pursuant to a secondment agreement.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The different types of financial risks and their impacts are detailed in note L of this document.

21.

COMMITMENTS GIVEN AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND OFF-BALANCESHEET EVENTSIn October 2021, World Athletics entered into a loan agreement with Diamond League AG (“DLAG”) andagreed to provide DLAG with a loan of US$2m payable in two instalments as of 31 March 2023 and 31
March 2024. The loan shall be fully reimbursed to World Athletics by the end of June 2025.

22.

POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

A review was undertaken by management to assess any consequences on the financial statements arisingfrom the Russia-Ukraine conflict or from the resulting sanctions imposed on Russia. It was concluded there
are no material impacts on the consolidated financial statements.

23.

RELATED PARTIES

Under IFRS guidelines, the following are treated as related parties: Executive Board Members, Council
Members, President, Chief Executive Officer, Diamond League and World Athletics Productions Ltd. The
table below includes amounts paid to related parties during the year.
2021
1,127
1,031
42
54

in k USD
Executive Board, Council Members, President and Chief Executive Officer
Allowances
Other benefits (housing)
Other long-term benefits (retirement)

2020
1,095
1,012
32
51

Amounts paid to World Athletics Productions Ltd. during 2021 were US$1,734k primarily on account ofsalary reimbursements and office costs. A loan agreement from World Athletics to World Athletics
Productions Ltd has been signed in 2018 for US$234k.
Amounts paid to Diamond League during 2021 were US$2,464k primarily to cover costs in relation to
Diamond League meets that were held during the year. As on 31 December 2021 amount due to Diamond
League was $0.

WORLD ATHLETICS FINANCIAL REPORT | p. 38

WORLD ATHLETICS FINANCIAL REPORT | p. 39

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A

APPENDIX B

APPENDIX B

WORLD ATHLETICS 2021 REMUNERATION POLICYWORLD ATHLETICS 2021 REMUNERATION POLICY

B

WORLD
AT H L E T I C S 2 0 2 1
R E M U N E R AT I O N
POLICYWorld Athletics position

Remuneration and expenses

Executive Board(base fee for all members including
President and Vice-Presidents)

USD 22,500 per annum

Chair of EB Committee(supplementary fee)

USD 2,500 per annum

President

USD 250,000 per annum (plus EB base fee above)

Council(all Members, including EB Members)

Per diem of USD 300 per day, plus allowance of USD 6,000 per annum (except
for Area Presidents where the allowance is USD 3,000 due to the additional
allowance)
Travel, meals and accommodation provided by World Athletics (travel based on
business class airfare plus per diem for each day (12 hours) of travel)

Council (Area Presidents)

Per diem of USD 300 per day, plus allowance of USD 3,000 per annum and:• USD 12,000 per annum (if lives in the same city as Area HQ)• USD 18,000 per annum (if does not live in the same city as Area HQ)

Commissions(members other than Council Members)

Per diem of USD 50 per day
Travel, meals and accommodation covered

Working Groups(members other than Council Members)

Per diem of USD 50 per day
Travel, meals and accommodation coveredAIU Board members(independent members and supplementary
fee for Council Member)

USD 15,000 per annum

AIU Board Chair

USD 25,000 per annum

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6.20

1344

7.11

1443

10.60

1574

21.99

1460

1443

©World Athletics 2022
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