With the number of Covid-19 cases increasing in the United States in the wake of highly infectious strains and low vaccination numbers, Ironman announced this Thursday (19/8) that it would replace the October Ironman World Championships. 2021 to February 5, 2022.
“The resurgence of the virus and the new delta strain has had a significant impact on the Hawaiian island community. With substantial border closures and travel restrictions for eligible athletes, Ironman CEO Andrew Messick said in a press release in October to host Ironman World. There is no viable way.
The decision comes after much speculation in recent days about what would happen to the incident, as Hawaii extended its ban on travel and public gatherings. On August 10, Hawaii Governor David Ige announced that the state would again limit outdoor meetings to 25 people and indoor bars and restaurants to 50% of their capacity. However, there was an exception for professional events, which would be reviewed and approved by the county – in accordance with the proposed safety protocols and guidelines for each event. Because of this exemption, many had hoped that the Ironman World Championship could take place.
Mayor requests to postpone Ironman World Cup
Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth made it clear at a city council meeting Tuesday night that the city was considering canceling the race because of concerns about thousands of people flocking to the island. According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald,” Roth presented approval for the increased emergency sanctions, telling the board:
“Unfortunately, having Ironman this year is not very positive. The issue with Ironman is what do you do with all the people who come to watch… I would love to see Ironman happen and I also realize it’s something that helps our community, but we There are also concerns about the rapid development of Covid-19. Fingering in the delta version. “
Event volunteers and medical staff were informed Wednesday night and Thursday morning that the event would be moved, but final details were to be worked out with local officials.
Qualification will not change for the 2022 edition
Athletes who have already qualified for the 2021 Ironman Worlds will receive information by email. Qualification for the 2022 Championships has not changed and is due to take place in October 2022.
Last year, during the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ironman announced the postponement of the Ironman World Championship from 2020 to February 2021. In June 2021, the Kona race was cancelled.
If a February 2022 race is confirmed, followed by an October 2022 competition, it would not be the first time that there have been two Ironman World Championships in the same year. In 1982, after the traditional competition was held in February, the success of the championship aroused so much interest that an edition was held in October to accommodate the large increase in entries. Since then, October has become the traditional date for the Ironman World Championship.
Change in the World 70.3
Ironman also announced earlier this week that it would shift to the 2021 and 2022 worlds 70.3 due to travel restrictions due to Covid-19 – condensing the 2021 edition into one day and the 2022 event to New Zealand. From St. George, Utah. In that announcement, Ironman officials noted that nearly half of the triathletes in Utah could not participate in the 70.3 Worlds the following month due to continuing border restrictions. Air travel is even more regulated, with required quarantine and vaccination records for all illiterate travelers accepted in only a limited number of countries. (Yuri Toti)
