About WMA

President, World Masters Athletics

Margit Jungmann

Welcome Message Dear Masters Athletics Family,
On behalf of World Masters Athletics, it is my great pleasure to extend a heartfelt invitation to all athletes to participate in the 2026 World Masters Athletics Stadia Championships, to be held in the vibrant Daegu-Gyeongbuk Metropolitan City, Korea.

At the core of World Masters Athletics lies our mission to "promote premier athletic events for athletes thirty-five and over, of all abilities, and encourage their passion for active, healthy competition, global camaraderie, and celebratory spirit." It is with this mission in mind that we look forward to celebrating the incredible feats of athletes from around the globe in an environment that fosters both athletic excellence and the joy of coming together.

Daegu, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. As a premier holiday destination, Daegu invites you to explore its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant markets. Alongside the thrilling competitions, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, savor delicious Korean cuisine, and create unforgettable memories.

Reflecting on the 2017 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships (WMACi), we remember the outstanding championships and the exceptional venues that brought together athletes of all levels from around the world and showcased the best of our sport. From the perfectly maintained indoor facilities to the seamless organization, the event set a benchmark for excellence and left a lasting impression on all who attended. Similarly, Daegu is poised to deliver an equally remarkable experience, ensuring the highest standards for athletes and spectators alike. The Daegu LOC is diligently and skillfully preparing for the 2026 championships, aiming to deliver an unforgettable experience.

The competition venues in Daegu are world-class, designed to provide the best possible experience for our athletes. Every effort has been made to ensure that both the facilities and the event organization meet the highest standards, allowing you to focus on your performance and enjoy the spirit of the championships.

We eagerly anticipate your participation and look forward to witnessing your passion, dedication, and athletic prowess. Let us come together in Daegu to celebrate the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence.

Warm regards.

WMA(World Masters Athletics)?

  • • The first World Masters Athletics Championships took place in Toronto in 1975, the official formation of the governing body, WAVA (now WMA), occurred in 1977 in Gothenburg, Sweden as a non-profit organization..
  • • Championships for Women and Men aged 35 and up.
  • • A total of 166 member countries.
Member Countries
WMA 가입국 현황 테이블
Total Africa Asia South America North America Oceania Europe
166 36 24 14 22 20 50

The WMA Organizational Goals

  • 01Fair Championships Fostering a fair competition environment, camaraderie, and a global celebration among masters athletes aged 35 and over.
  • 02Better Health and Life Quality Promoting health and enhancing quality of life through athletics by hosting the World Masters Athletics Championships.
  • 03Harmony and camaraderie among each nations Fostering mutual understanding and camaraderie among athletes from diverse backgrounds.

Major Activities

  • Organizing Global Championships
    Organizing World Masters Athletics Championships every two years.
  • Regulation Development and Revision
    WMA regularly updates its Competition and Technical Rules to ensure fair and standardized competitions globally.
  • Regulation Development and Revision
    WMA regularly updates its Competition and Technical Rules to ensure fair and standardized competitions globally.
  • Encouraging Participation
    Across diverse age groups and broadening athletics globally.
  • World Records Management
    WMA oversees the verification and certification of world records across different age groups and events.

Organizational Structure

  • Board

    The body consisting of the elected officers of WMA (President, Executive Vice President, Vice President of Competition, Treasurer, Secretary).

  • Regional Representative

    The person appointed to the Council by a region.

  • Member Country

    A national association representing Masters athletics in its country.

Definitions

WMA 가입국 현황 테이블
WMA The Monaco registered not-for-profit organization responsible for promoting athletics events for participants aged thirty-five and over.
WA World Athletics based in Monaco.
LOC The organization responsible for hosting a WMA Championships.
Masters Athletes Athletes aged thirty-five years and older who participate in the sport of athletics.