Monaco and the Fédération Monégasque d’Athlétisme have been awarded the prestigious World Athletics Heritage Plaque in recognition of their significant contribution to the global history and development of athletics…
The accolade was presented during the Herculis Diamond League meeting in mid-December at the Stade Louis II, commemorating 30 years since World Athletics established its headquarters in Monaco.
His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco accepted the plaque from World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who praised Monaco’s exceptional commitment to the sport. “Despite the small size of the Principality, Monaco has consistently delivered organisational excellence in athletics. World Athletics feels at home in Monaco, and we deeply appreciate the Monegasque Athletics Federation’s dedication to promoting and developing our sport,” Coe stated.
The World Athletics Heritage Plaque is a location-based honour recognizing outstanding contributions to the evolution of athletics, encompassing track and field, cross-country, road racing, and more. The awards to Monaco and the Federation Monégasque d’Athlétisme were made in the categories of ‘City’ and ‘Competition,’ respectively.
Monaco’s long-standing reputation as a host of world-class athletics events was central to this recognition. Highlights include the annual Herculis Diamond League, frequently ranked as the world’s best athletics meeting, the Grand Prix Finals in 1989 and 1995, and the World Athletics Final from 2003 to 2005. Additionally, the Principality hosted the 1987 Women’s World 15km Road Race and numerous international road events, with three world records achieved on its streets.
The plaque, a testament to Monaco’s athletic legacy, will be permanently displayed at the entrance of Stade Louis II, celebrating the Principality’s enduring influence in the global athletics community.
Image: © Christel Saneh
