World Athletics likes balance. The world governing body of athletics has unveiled the list of six finalists for its annual national member federations trophy. Each of them having been nominated by their own continental confederation, the cast is perfectly representative of the universality of athletics. Europe chose Spain, Asia chose Thailand, Africa chose Botswana, South America chose Chile, and North America and the Caribbean chose the USA. From the service records of the six finalist national federations, Australia seems to be emerging in a strong position to win the bid. It kicked off 2023 by hosting the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, where it won a medal in the mixed relay, and then hosted the first Continental Tour Gold meeting in Oceania, the Maurie Plant Meeting, formerly the Melbourne Track Classic, in Melbourne. Above all, last summer in Budapest, the Australians enjoyed the best outdoor World Championships in their history, winning six medals, including a gold by Nina Kennedy in the pole vault. The Member Federation Award will be presented on December 11 at the World Athletics Awards 2023. It rewards a national body that has distinguished itself by its achievements throughout the year, and made a positive contribution to the growth and image of the sport.
