2009 World Youth Championships in Athletics

The 2009 World Youth Championships in Athletics is the sixth edition of the IAAF World Youth Championships in Athletics. They were held at Brixen-Bressanone Sport Arena in Brixen, Italy from 8–12 July 2009. Athletes had to be aged 16 or 17 on 31 December 2009 (born in 1992 or 1993) to compete.

15-year-old Jodie Williams took the 100 m sprint title in a youth world leading time of 11.39. This was also a personal best for Williams, who had not lost a 100 m final since 2007. Also winning the girls' 200 m, Williams became the first youth athlete ever to do so. A similar feat was achieved by Kirani James of Grenada, who won the boys' 200 and 400 metres.

In winning the long jump, Supanara Sukhasvasti became Thailand’s first ever finalist, medallist and champion in an athletics global event of any age category. He is a descendent of King Rama IV. With the 100 m hurdles, 17-year-old Isabelle Pedersen became Norway’s first ever World Youth champion. Her time of 13.20 in the semi finals was a national record and third all-time Youth best. Also 16-year-old Italian Alessia Trost became the host nation's first ever World Youth champion.

Johan Rogestedt of Sweden became the first European ever to win the 800 metres, usually dominated by East African runners. In high jump, Russian-born Dmitriy Kroyter became Israel's first ever world youth champion.