The 2022 World Athletics Championships will kick off on Friday in Eugene, Oregon. With the growing hype around this year’s competition, top athletes will compete for the crown three years after the last championships.

More than 1900 athletes from 192 teams are making their way to Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. The United States is holding the biennial event for the first time, but it looks like things aren’t going well.

Athletes face visa issues just days before the championships

Many athletes have still not arrived in Oregon for the World Athletics Championships. Subjected to delays in the U.S. visa system many hopeful athletes will barely make it to their events on time. U.S. sprinting legend Michael Johnson took to Twitter to express his anger and disappointment.

“This is ridiculous! It’s been known US entry visa may be one of the most difficult and WA and the organizing committee didn’t get ahead of this? #WCHOregon22,” the retired legend wrote. As an incredibly prestigious event, the athletes have been preparing all season for the intense showdown that’ll take place in Eugene in just a few days.

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But because of visa delays, they may either miss the event entirely or arrive at the track on the same day as their scheduled races. The organizing committee stated they are working closely with the USPOC just today. To which Michael Johnson claimed, “PITIFUL & SHAMEFUL! @WCHoregon22 @usatf @WorldAthletics.”

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Africa’s fastest man could miss the World Athletics Championships

Ferdinand Omanyala clocked 9.77 seconds at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi last year, becoming Africa’s fastest man. He is competing in the men’s 100m, aiming to become the first Kenyan man to reach a sprint podium at a World Championship. But there’s a possibility he won’t make it in time.

“Ferdinand is still waiting for his visa or alternative clearance to depart from Nairobi,” a spokesperson for Omanyala told Reuters on Wednesday. “It is frustrating, but he remains hopeful to make the trip.” Many fans and athletes are speaking out against the disorganized handling by USATF.

Similarly, many other African athletes are stranded in Italy as their visa approvals got delayed, Gift Leotlela told IOL sports on Wednesday. They cannot get appointments for the visa applications and required interviews, leaving their status for Worlds uncertain. America’s first time hosting the Championships has hit a bit of a speed bump.

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