Armand Mondo Duplantis returns to Tokyo chasing a fifth straight gold, while sprint stars Noah Lyles, Julien Alfred, and Faith Kipyegon headline an action-packed championship. With Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s farewell and rising teenage stars making their debut, Tokyo is set for an unforgettable week of athletics.
Duplantis Leads the Charge as Tokyo Hosts the 20th World Athletics Championships
The countdown is over as the 20th World Athletics Championships kicks off in Tokyo this weekend, promising nine days of thrilling competition, record-breaking performances, and emotional farewells.
Duplantis Returns to Tokyo with Unfinished Business
Swedish-American pole vault sensation Armand “Mondo” Duplantis will once again take center stage at Tokyo’s National Stadium — the very arena where he claimed his first global title at the 2021 Olympic Games. Since then, Duplantis has dominated the sport, winning four consecutive global golds. Now, he returns with his sights set on a fifth straight crown.
But for Duplantis, this trip to Tokyo is about more than medals. The last time he competed here, the pandemic left the stadium empty and athletes confined to strict restrictions.
“It felt very apocalyptic… not enjoyable at all,” Duplantis admitted. “This time, I’m excited for the real Tokyo experience — to compete in front of fans and embrace the culture.”
Other Athletes Chasing Glory
Duplantis isn’t the only athlete eyeing a fifth consecutive title. Fans will also watch closely as:
- Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) looks to extend her reign over the 1,500m while also defending her 5,000m crown.
- Ryan Crouser (USA), the powerhouse shot putter, continues his dominance in the field.
- Soufiane El Bakkali (Morocco) defends his supremacy in the 3,000m steeplechase.
Sprint Showdowns Steal the Spotlight
While individual dominance inspires awe, nothing excites fans quite like the sprints. This year, Tokyo will host the men’s and women’s sprint finals back-to-back on the same nights — a first in World Championships history.
- In the men’s races, Noah Lyles and fellow American Kenny Bednarek will chase a 100m-200m double. Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson is tipped to challenge them for sprint supremacy.
- In the women’s sprints, Julien Alfred of St. Lucia, fresh off Olympic gold and silver, is hunting for another double. America’s Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Sha’Carri Richardson lead the U.S. charge in the absence of Paris 200m champion Gabby Thomas, sidelined by injury.
Farewells & New Faces
The Tokyo stage will also mark the farewell of sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a 10-time world champion whose glittering career has inspired generations. At the same time, teenage prodigies Gout Gout (Australia) and Cooper Lutkenhaus (USA) will be making their world championship debuts, signaling a new era of sprinting talent.
Heat & Humidity Pose Challenges
Tokyo’s scorching heat and suffocating humidity remain a major storyline. Organizers have already shifted the marathon and race walk events 30 minutes earlier to minimize the impact of the brutal conditions.
“It’s the same for all of us. I just have to stay strong mentally and push through,” said German marathoner Amanal Petros.
New Gene Testing for Women’s Events
In a historic first, all athletes competing in women’s events must undergo gene testing. While logistical challenges arose in Canada and France, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe expressed confidence that the screening would be complete before competition began.
“We’ve had overwhelming support from athletes,” Coe stated. “Many female athletes personally thanked us for ensuring fairness.”
Tokyo Set for an Unforgettable Championship
From Duplantis’s soaring vaults to sprinting showdowns and emotional farewells, the Tokyo championships are shaping up to be a defining chapter in athletics history. With packed stadiums and no restrictions this time, athletes and fans alike are set to finally enjoy the full spectacle.
