2026-07-12-Sunday
Sunday, July 12, 2026: The Smoke Clears – Exhausted, Elated, and Heading Back to HQ
And just like that, the 24-hour IARU HF World Championship has officially come to an end!
The Return of the Competitors
The intense 24-hour battle on the HF bands is over, and the WRTC 2026 operating sites across the region are falling silent. One by one, the competing teams are rolling back into the main event headquarters. The parking lot is filling up, and the atmosphere in the lobby is absolutely electric.
A Wave of Mixed Emotions
Looking at the faces of the operators as they walk through the doors, you see a wild mix of emotions:
- Extreme Fatigue: 24 hours of non-stop, high-stakes operating with zero sleep has clearly taken its toll.
- Pure Adrenaline: The rush of chasing rare multipliers and fighting through fierce pile-ups is still pumping through their veins.
- Overwhelming Joy: Despite the heavy eyelids, everyone is wearing a massive smile.
What a Ride!
Whether they topped the live scoreboard or faced brutal propagation challenges, every single participant is just incredibly happy to have been part of the „Radio Olympics“. The camaraderie is already on full display as operators swap stories of their craziest QSOs over a much-needed coffee.
Now, it is time for a hot meal, a long-awaited shower, and some well-deserved sleep before the official closing ceremony!
