World Athletics Indoor Championships win at Thistle Awards

The World Athletics Indoor Championships has been named Scotland’s Outstanding Sporting Event at VisitScotland’s coveted national Thistle Awards, which took place at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel last night.

Held at the Emirates Arena in March this year, the World Athletics Indoor Championships (WAIC) brought together elite athletes from around the globe to compete in a wide range of track and field events.

650 athletes from more than 130 countries fought hard to claim the 26 world indoor championship titles with the USA topping the table with 20 medals. Featuring 20 reigning world champions, the calibre of competition lived up to the hype for the 22,000 spectators who attended across six action packed sessions.

The event showcased athletic excellence and boosted the city's global sports profile, with Glasgow’s edition becoming the first ever to receive a platinum award for sustainability through the Athletics for a Better World (ABW) initiative. This latest award from VisitScotland further reinforces Glasgow's ability to deliver outstanding sporting events. 

Among the many world-class performances was Great Britain's Josh Kerr's win in the Men's 3000m in front of an ecstatic home crowd; the first Scot to win world indoor gold in 31 years.

Billy Garret, Glasgow Life’s Director of Culture, Tourism and Events said: “It's fantastic that the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships has been named Outstanding Sporting Event; the most prestigious recognition of exceptional quality in tourism and events. 

“Glasgow Life was honoured to be able to deliver the 19th edition of the championships with partners including UK Athletics, EventScotland and the Scottish Government, along with Glasgow City Council. A real highlight of this year's national events calendar, it once again shone a global spotlight on Scotland as the perfect stage for high-profile events.”