World Athletics has released the inaugural review of the Athletics for a Better World (ABW) Standard, a system designed to evaluate the sustainable impact of elite competitions. This first publication highlights the organization’s commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of its events while maximizing the social and economic benefits for host communities.

The ABW Standard, officially launched in December 2021 and implemented since January 2024, includes 55 areas of action and has already been adopted by over 100 events across 36 countries. The report highlights both strengths and challenges during this initial phase, recognizing events that have achieved high levels of compliance, and outlining ways to improve practices across the global athletics organization.

Initial results, insights and next steps

The annual review analyzed reports from 102 events across all six continents, including standout performances by the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 and the Bislett Games in Oslo, both of which achieved the platinum level—the highest tier in the system. In total, 48 events reached a graded level (platinum, gold, silver, or bronze), while another 35 were recognized for beginning their sustainability journey. Key advances included partnerships with public transport providers, zero-waste planning, community engagement programs, and improvements in air quality.

World Athletics emphasized that more than 9 million people attended or participated in the analyzed events, demonstrating the significant potential of athletics to positively influence sustainable practices in sport. Looking ahead, the ABW Standard will expand to over 500 events, positioning it as the most comprehensive sustainability evaluation system in the sports industry. To continue driving this standard, a webinar will be held on July 29 featuring event organizers sharing their experiences and best practices, helping to build a global network of learning and continuous improvement.