Excitement is running high in the track and field community as the 2024 Big Sky Outdoor Track & Field Championships kicked off this week. Following a thrilling indoor season in February, the outdoor championships are now unfolding in Bozeman, Montana, at the Bobcat Track and Field Complex. Montana State University is hosting the event, which runs from May 8th to May 11th, 2024. The men’s decathlon and women’s heptathlon started on Wednesday and will end on Thursday, while other events will take place from Friday to Saturday. Montana State University is aiming to win its first outdoor track and field championships in twenty years.

However, the competition is fierce, with Northern Arizona’s teams dominating in recent years, securing three consecutive Big Sky outdoor titles. Nevertheless, Montana State and other members of the Big Sky Conference are putting up a strong fight for the gold. Unfortunately, their battle has been further challenged by a May snowstorm that has swept through Montana, leaving the track and field community deeply concerned for the athletes as they strive for victory.

Athletes fight for gold amidst a snowstorm in May

In a post on X, Travis Miller shared a snippet of athletes gearing up to run at the 2024 Big Sky Outdoor Track & Field Championships amidst a snowstorm that has taken over Bozeman, Montana, in May! The video showed female athletes jumping, stretching, and warming up on a snow-covered track while a blizzard whipped chilly air and snowfall around them. According to The Weather Channel, parts of Montana experienced over a foot of snow, with Gallatin County receiving up to 11 inches. Blizzard warnings extended until midnight Wednesday for the area.

The snowstorm has even caused hazardous road conditions on the Bozeman Pass on Interstate 90, where three tractor-trailers were sidelined by snowdrifts and icy conditions. The sudden and prolonged snowfall caught truckers, road crews, and hundreds of motorists off-guard, leading to accidents and traffic standstills. Some motorists were stranded for more than seven hours! As images of athletes battling for their gold medals in the frigid weather at the 2024 Big Sky Outdoor Track & Field Championships went viral, many track and field fans expressed deep concern for the athletes’ well-being and health.

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Track and field fans express concern online

Countless fans shared their concerns about the athletes participating in the 2024 Big Sky Outdoor Track & Field Championships despite the weather warnings and low temperatures. One track and field fan shared how they felt discomfort simply watching the athletes compete in the snowstorm. They shared their empathy for the athletes, noting that the cold weather conditions could have significant effects on their bodies, potentially causing muscle strain or injury.

Another fan suggested that the event should be canceled immediately due to the highly concerning weather warnings.

Another fan expressed astonishment at the unusual sight they witnessed, sharing how they had never seen anything like the current situation in their years of attending or watching track and field events.

Fredrick Kerley, the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist in the 100m, found it unbelievable or unlikely that there was snowfall. He expressed surprise at the unusual weather conditions for that time of year.

Tara Davis-Woodhall, the 2024 World Indoor Champion in the long jump, shared her frustration and questioned the decision to hold the event in such adverse weather conditions. She believed that there was no point in continuing the meet in Montana, likely due to the challenging circumstances caused by the snowstorm.

Laviai Nielsen, the British sprinter specializing in the 400 meters, reminisced about her training experiences in Denmark over the winter, sharing the challenging conditions she faced during her training sessions.

As we reflect on the determination and grit of the athletes, we hope they are taking the necessary precautions to keep their bodies healthy and safe amidst the freezing conditions. Who are you rooting for at the 2024 Big Sky Outdoor Track & Field Championships? Share your thoughts in the comments below!