Athletes Unite for a Greener Future: See How World Athletics Plans to Save the Planet.

World Athletics has introduced its first cohort of "Champions for a Better World", who will play a crucial role in advocating for sustainability within the sport. As part of the Athletics for a Better World initiative, these champions will lead the charge in promoting eco-friendly practices across athletics and inspire fellow athletes to actively address environmental concerns.

The announcement coincides with the upcoming COP27 - UN Climate Change Conference and is supported by compelling data. Surveys show that over 76% of athletes are deeply concerned about climate change, with more than 66% experiencing its direct impacts. An overwhelming 72% believe that athletics has already felt the effects of climate change. Additionally, a resounding 90% of athletes believe that World Athletics should play a role in addressing sustainability within the sport. The survey collected responses from 737 athletes across 122 countries during various World Athletics championship events in 2022.

The group of nine Champions for a Better World hails from diverse backgrounds, representing Brazil, Australia, the USA, the Philippines, Burkina Faso, Italy, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Nigeria. These athletes excel in various events across the athletics landscape.

Their primary mission is to support World Athletics in its efforts to minimize the sport's environmental impact in line with the World Athletics Sustainability Strategy. This comprehensive strategy aims to achieve carbon neutrality for the organization by 2030, while also paving the way for member federations and licensed competitions to attain net-zero emissions by 2040. Additionally, the strategy emphasizes empowering athletes to actively promote sustainability and provides a platform to amplify their voices on these critical issues.

Kelsey-Lee Barber, Australia's two-time world champion in the javelin, said: "Athletics is a big community. And as a community we have a duty to one another to help educate and take action on matters of environmental, social and economic sustainability. As an athlete, my goal in sport is not only about my personal success. A big part of my why is to encourage others, be a role model, and to lead by example."