2025 World Athletics Championships Kicks Off in Tokyo

TOKYO, Japan — The 2025 World Athletics Championships officially began on Saturday, September 13, and will run until Sunday, September 21, at the Japan National Stadium. This is the 20th edition of the championships, featuring over 2,000 athletes from 200 countries competing for medals in 49 events.

The championships offer 147 medals across various disciplines, including track events, field events, and road races like marathon and race walks. The last championships were held in Budapest in August 2023. Tokyo has previously hosted the event in 1991 and Osaka hosted it in 2007, marking a historic third time Japan is the host country.

Australia has sent its largest ever athletics team to Tokyo, consisting of 86 athletes. Among the standout competitors are sprinter Gout Gout, middle-distance runner Jess Hull, and high jumper Nicola Olyslagers. Australian Athletics general manager Andrew Faichney noted the team’s high performance and relevance in the sport.

“This team reflects that change. They’re world-class athletes with the results to match,” said Faichney, highlighting the nation’s growing confidence in athletics.

The schedule features morning sessions starting at 8 a.m. JST and evening sessions beginning at 7 p.m. JST. All events will be broadcast live in Australia on several channels, including Channel 9 and SBS.

However, the championships will see the absence of some of Australia’s best, including reigning Olympic pole vault champion Nina Kennedy, race walker Jemima Montag, and sprinter Lachlan Kennedy, all sidelined by injuries.

Australia has a strong history in the World Athletics Championships, having claimed 15 gold, 16 silver, and 14 bronze medals in past editions. As the excitement builds, athletes and fans alike look forward to outstanding performances in Tokyo.