New Balance announced on Friday the cancellation of its national high school outdoor track and field meet, New Balance Nationals Outdoor, following continued concern of COVID-19 and for the safety of those competing around the United States, the company confirmed.
This summer would have been New Balance's first venture with the new iteration of New Balance Nationals Outdoor since the company moved on from the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation in May of 2020.
Previously, the organizations worked jointly together to hold NBNO, a national competition that featured some of the country's top athletes and saw some of the season's best performances.
After the restructuring, both organizations clarified that they would continue to hold a national meet -- New Balance would put on its new iteration with the same branding, while NSAF would continue to hold its national championships with a different title sponsor and name. NSAF has been holding national high school meets since 1991.
To be fair, it's been a confusing few months.
But all things aside, New Balance will not hold an outdoor meet in 2021.
Just for reference: NSAF announced last month it had tentative plans to hold its competition from June 30-July 3, though no venue was announced.
Per New Balance:
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, New Balance has decided to cancel the 2021 New Balance Nationals Outdoor Championship. The health and safety of the athletes, families and communities involved continues to remain our absolute highest priority, and we cannot safely move forward with the event at this time. New Balance optimistically looks forward to 2022 and is eager to host both the New Balance Nationals Indoor Championship and the New Balance Nationals Outdoor Championship next year. More information about the New Balance Nationals Outdoor Championship can be found at www.nbnationalsout.com
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