USATF National “Old Olympic” Track & Field Championships in Huntsville Hampered by Weather Delays, Forcing Event Suspensions…

USATF National “Old Olympic” Track & Field Championships in Huntsville Hampered by Weather Delays, Forcing Event Suspensions

 

HUNTSVILLE, AL — The USATF National “Old Olympic” Track & Field Championships, currently underway at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Alabama, have been significantly disrupted by adverse weather conditions, causing multiple delays and temporary suspensions across the meet.

Storm Front Hits Early Saturday

The first signal of trouble struck during the mid‑morning session on Saturday, July 19, when dark storm clouds rolled in unexpectedly. Meet officials halted the morning’s field events—discus and long jump—as lightning storms swept through the area, prompting a safety evacuation. According to the USATF safety protocol, all spectators and athletes were moved off the field when thunder was detected within an 8‑mile radius .

After approximately 70 minutes, conditions briefly improved, allowing some resumed competition. However, the erratic weather led to a rushed rescheduling of events.

Heat Lightning and Rescheduled Finals

Saturday afternoon brought sweltering heat combined with high humidity—conditions reminiscent of those that altered programs at past U.S. events, such as the NCAA championships held in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in June 2009 . Officials opted to condense the program, pushing finals of the women’s javelin, men’s 400m hurdles, and men’s hammer throw into a compact 2‑hour “heat window” to beat both the weather and impending safety cut‑offs.

In the absence of clear skies, the women’s decathlon was moved indoors to the adjacent field house complex, much like the contingency plans used during the 2024 USATF Junior Olympic Championships . That transition allowed athletes to complete their technical events in dry conditions while running heats resumed outdoors.

Saturday Evening: Thunder Returns, Delays Continue

By early evening—just as the broadcast crew prepped for prime‑time coverage—another lightning strike was detected. Officials temporarily suspended all events again, including the much‑anticipated men’s 1500m final and women’s 400m hurdles, citing athlete and spectator safety.

Athletes were informed of a fluid timeline, with finals tentatively slated for the next morning, while some field events were slated to continue Sunday afternoon. The uncertainty has left many competitors on edge, and television coordination—especially for athletes eyeing spots on the USA Masters team—has become a complex logistical puzzle.

Athlete & Fan Reactions

On-site athletes, familiar with Huntsville’s notoriously unpredictable weather, described the experience as “chaotic yet controlled.” One decathlete, speaking on background, shared that while disruptions were frustrating, safety remained the “number one priority.” Spectators expressed disappointment, but appreciated the transparency and visible safety measures.

Looking Ahead

Meet Director Karen Bell stated: “We’re committed to providing a fair and safe competition despite Mother Nature’s challenges.” Her team is actively adjusting start times, moving toward an early Sunday kick‑off to avoid further lightning threats. They also plan to stagger events, limiting exposure during peak storm periods.

Tomorrow’s forecast continues to predict high heat and a 40‑percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms—a combination that could force additional early‑morning starts. Bell promises “clear communication through the USATF app and stadium PA system” to keep everyone informed.

Conclusion

As the Old Olympic Championships navigate Mother Nature’s whims, USATF organizers face the critical task of balancing athlete safety, spectator experience, and broadcast commitments. With several marquee finals still pending, the remaining schedule charts a cautious path forward—anticipating weather but ready to pivot at a moment’s notice.