Piers Ocklgan, director of World Athletics, stated that Ethiopia lacks full capacity to host world-class athletics events. He visited the under-construction Addis Ababa stadium site today. While praising Ethiopia as a breeding ground for long-distance runners, he pledged support to elevate its athletics federation.
On January 13, 2026, Piers Ocklgan, the director of World Athletics, visited the construction site of the Addis Ababa stadium intended for the World Championships track and field events.
"Ethiopia does not have full capacity to host world-class athletics competitions," Ocklgan stated. He acknowledged Ethiopia's role as a breeding ground for long-distance runners and praised the foundational training facilities in the country.
World Athletics committed to providing bilateral support and monitoring to help elevate Ethiopian athletics. Ocklgan advised the Ethiopian Athletics Federation to focus on managing a qualified athletics workforce and adopting sports technology in the coming years.
This statement comes amid ongoing construction at the Addis Ababa stadium and highlights efforts to advance Ethiopian athletics infrastructure.
