Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, will stage the World Athletics U20 Championships from Aug. 5–9, where a slate of the globe’s best young jumpers are expected to vie for medals. The meet highlights the next generation in four horizontal and vertical technical events: high jump, pole vault, long jump and triple jump.
Headliners and marks to watch
Several competitors arrive in Oregon having posted season‑leading or national‑record performances. In the women’s high jump, Australia’s Izobelle Louison‑Roe tops the U20 world lists after clearing 1.95m twice this year, first in Canberra in January and again in Melbourne in March. India’s Pooja, who made the final two years ago in Lima, comes with an Indian record of 1.93m secured while claiming the Asian U20 title in May.
Among the men’s high jump contenders is Algeria’s Younes Ayachi, the world U20 leader who registered an indoor best of 2.28m in February. American Gage Voyles sits close behind with an outdoor personal best of 2.27m this season. Other athletes with notable clearances include Great Britain’s Samuel James (cleared 2.25m to win the European U18 title) and Sri Lanka’s Tharusha Dinushan Agampodi (best of 2.23m).
Women’s pole vault and depth in the field
The women’s pole vault entry lists feature several impressive clearances. Czech vaulter Nicole Krutilová arrives as the world U20 leader after vaulting 4.52m in Tábor in July. South Africa’s Ansume de Beer follows with a personal best of 4.50m, while France’s Moana Peyrard recently set a French U20 record at 4.46m.
Depth across events suggests multiple rounds may be highly competitive. For example, Estonia’s Allika Inkeri Moser — who established a world U18 best of 4.52m last year — has an indoor mark of 4.40m this season and will be among the vaulters expected to figure in medal contention.
- Women’s high jump: Izobelle Louison‑Roe (AUS) — 1.95m; Pooja (IND) — 1.93m.
- Men’s high jump: Younes Ayachi (ALG) — 2.28m; Gage Voyles (USA) — 2.27m.
- Women’s pole vault: Nicole Krutilová (CZE) — 4.52m; Ansume de Beer (RSA) — 4.50m.
Notable national and continental performers
The championships will also feature athletes who have recently stood out at continental U18 and U20 competitions. Hungary’s Lilianna Bátori, who finished fifth in Lima, carries an indoor personal best of 1.93m and a season best of 1.92m. Finland’s Ella Mikkola — the European U20 silver medallist — has cleared 1.91m this year.
In the pole vault, France fields multiple challengers, including Julie Bourgis and Moana Peyrard, signalling a strong French presence. Greece’s Anastasia Boumpoulidi, the 2024 European U18 champion, arrives with a season best of 4.41m.
| Event | Leading mark | Athlete |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s high jump | 1.95m | Izobelle Louison‑Roe (AUS) |
| Men’s high jump | 2.28m | Younes Ayachi (ALG) |
| Women’s pole vault | 4.52m | Nicole Krutilová (CZE) |
What to expect at Hayward Field
Hayward Field has a reputation for fast, well‑attended championship competition and has been a frequent stage for breakthrough performances at junior and senior levels. With a field that mixes continental medallists, national record‑holders and athletes who have already led the world U20 lists this season, the jumps programme is likely to produce tight contests and possibly new bests for age group records.
Beyond the immediate medal races, observers will be watching which athletes make the transition from promising juniors to viable senior international competitors. Several entrants — from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas — have posted marks this season that suggest they could progress rapidly in the coming years.
Coverage of the championships will provide a snapshot of the next generation of world athletics talent as they test themselves on a global stage at one of the sport’s most recognised venues.
