Anna Hall Wins Historic Heptathlon Gold in Tokyo Championships

TOKYO, Japan — Anna Hall made history by becoming America’s second winner of the world heptathlon title on September 20, 2025. Hall, 24, secured her victory with a total of 6,888 points, following a series of near-misses in previous competitions.

This victory marks Hall’s first major title, a culmination of hard work after close calls in past championships. Three years ago, she won a bronze medal at the World Championships. In 2023, she narrowly lost the title by just 20 points, finishing less than two seconds behind the winner in the last event, the 800-meter run. Hall also battled injuries ahead of last year’s Olympics, where she finished in fifth place.

On a calm evening in Tokyo, Hall said she was overjoyed to finally reach the summit. “Ever since I came on the circuit and won my first medal, that’s been something I’ve been trying to do,” she remarked. “Jackie and I have talked about it, and we were like, ‘The USA does make great heptathletes.’”

Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the only previous American to win the heptathlon at worlds, expressed her admiration for Hall, saying she sees great potential in her. Joyner-Kersee won the event at the Olympics in 1988 and 1992 and holds the world record. Hall cracked the 7,000-point barrier earlier this summer, signaling her strength heading into the championship.

During the competition, Hall led from start to finish. Though her long jump did not go as planned, she maintained a solid lead, finishing the penultimate event with a 122-point cushion ahead of Ireland’s Kate O’Connor. This advantage allowed Hall to run a relaxed final 800 meters, finishing with a time of 2:06.09.

O’Connor, who scored 6,714 points, took the silver medal, while Hall’s teammate Taliyah Brooks tied for third place with defending champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson, both finishing with 6,581 points. Hall’s victory adds to her impressive record as a multi-sport athlete and returns gold to America after a 32-year drought in the heptathlon event at the world championships.

Reflecting on her journey, Hall said, “This medal represents everything I’ve been through, from injuries to heartbreak, and all the hard work that led me here. So many people have supported me along the way.”

As Hall celebrated her win, she expressed a renewed love for the sport. “I just tried to stay relaxed and do my job. Then, the last 200, I just kind of had a moment to myself and soaked in the crowd,” she shared.