In 2001, several major athletics events took place globally, showcasing top talent in track and field sports. Here are some of the key events:

1. World Championships in Athletics: The 8th IAAF World Championships in Athletics were held in Edmonton, Canada, from August 3 to August 12. This event featured athletes from around the world competing in various track and field disciplines.

2. World Cross Country Championships: The 29th IAAF World Cross Country Championships took place in Ostend, Belgium, on March 24-25. This event included races for both men and women, with individual and team competitions.

3. World Indoor Championships: The 8th IAAF World Indoor Championships in Athletics were held in Lisbon, Portugal, from March 9 to March 11. This indoor event featured a range of track and field events.

4. Golden League: The IAAF Golden League, a series of track and field meetings, took place across various cities in Europe. The series included prestigious events like the Bislett Games in Oslo and the Weltklasse Zürich.

5. Goodwill Games: The 2001 Goodwill Games were held in Brisbane, Australia, from August 29 to September 9. This multi-sport event included athletics as one of its key components.

These events were significant in the athletics calendar for 2001, attracting top athletes and providing thrilling competitions across various disciplines.