 | |
| Host city |  Brixen, Italy |
|---|---|
| Events | 40 |
| Dates | 8–12 July |
| Main venue | Brixen-Bressanone Sport Arena |
The 2009 World Youth Championships in Athletics is the sixth edition of the IAAF World Youth Championships in Athletics. They were held at Brixen-Bressanone Sport Arena in Bressanone, Italy from 8–12 July 2009. Athletes had to be aged 16 or 17 on 31 December 2009 (born in 1992 or 1993) to compete.[1]
15-year-old Jodie Williams took the 100 m sprint title in a youth world leading time of 11.39. This was also a personal best for Williams, who had not lost a 100 m final since 2007.[2] Also winning the girls' 200 m, Williams became the first youth athlete ever to do so. A similar feat was achieved by Kirani James of Grenada, who won the boys' 200 and 400 metres.[3]
In winning the long jump, Supanara Sukhasvasti became Thailand's first finalist, medallist and champion in an athletics global event of any age category. He is a descendant of King Rama IV.[4] With the 100 m hurdles, 17-year-old Isabelle Pedersen became Norway's first World Youth champion. Her time of 13.20 in the semi-finals was a national record and third all-time Youth best.[5] 16-year-old Italian Alessia Trost also became the host nation's first World Youth champion.[6]
Johan Rogestedt of Sweden became the first European ever to win the 800 metres, usually dominated by East African runners.[7] In high jump, Russian-born Dmitriy Kroyter became Israel's first world youth champion.
