The United States, long the strongest nation in track and field, will stage the world outdoor championships for the first time in 2021.
In a surprising development on Thursday, the International Association of Athletics Federations awarded Eugene, Ore., the right to host the 2021 world championships without having to submit a formal bid.
Eugene — a small market but a track and field hotbed — was a strong candidate for the 2019 world championships, but was beaten in November by Doha, Qatar, in a 15-12 vote by the I.A.A.F. council.
But Vin Lananna, the TrackTown USA president, and other members of the bid team continued to remain in contact with I.