The World Athletics Championships are set to create a compelling spectacle in Tokyo, as the event showcases the pinnacle of athletic performance across a variety of track and field disciplines. Kicking off soon, this 2025 edition promises thrilling excitement with 49 events and 147 medals available. With a total prize pot of $8.5 million, the anticipation is palpable, especially as fans eagerly await to see both seasoned champions and rising stars compete.
### Main Events to Watch
Several events stand out in this action-packed program, promising high drama and remarkable performances.
#### Women’s 800m
Scheduled for Thursday, September 18, the heats begin at 11:55 BST, with subsequent semi-finals on Friday, September 19, and the final on Sunday, September 21. Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson enters this competition as a strong favorite despite her recent injury struggles. After a year of rehabilitation and a remarkable comeback, Hodgkinson clocked the fastest time of 2025 during the Lausanne Diamond League, hinting at her formidable form. She will contend with formidable opponents, including Olympic silver medalist Tsige Duguma from Ethiopia and reigning champion Mary Moraa from Kenya, making this race a must-watch for track and field enthusiasts.
#### Men’s 100m
Scheduled for Saturday, September 13, with heats starting at 12:35 BST and the final later that day at 14:20 BST, the men’s 100m features fierce competition. American Noah Lyles is aiming for his third consecutive world title in this event, but he’ll face strong opposition from Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, who clocked an impressive 9.75 this season. Australian teenager Gout Gout, compared to sprinting legend Usain Bolt, adds an exciting element to the race. British sprinter Zharnel Hughes hopes to claim another medal, raising the stakes even higher in what is expected to be a nail-biting contest.
#### Women’s 100m
On the same day as the men’s 100m, women’s sprinting will see its champions clash at 10:55 BST for the heats and culminate with the final at 14:13 BST. Olympic champion Julien Alfred from St. Lucia aims to capture a sprint double, especially in the absence of American Gabby Thomas. Sha’Carri Richardson will attempt to defend her title after making waves with her Olympic silver performance, while Melissa Jefferson-Wooden has showcased unmatched form this season, running a blistering 10.65 seconds. With the inclusion of Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith and the legendary Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce competing in what could be her last major championship, the women’s 100m is anticipated to be nothing short of thrilling.
#### Men’s 1500m
Set to unfold on Sunday, September 14, with heats starting at 01:35 BST, the men’s 1500m race features Olympic gold medalist Cole Hocker, who recently edged out competitor Josh Kerr for the Olympic title. This rivalry continues to heat up as Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the defending champion, finds himself fighting to regain his form after being sidelined by injury. With American Yared Nuguse, another valuable contender, failing to qualify, the stage is set for an exhilarating contest among Hocker, Kerr, and Ingebrigtsen, making this event a highlight of the championships.
#### Women’s Heptathlon
The women’s heptathlon promises drama and intensity, beginning on Friday, September 19. Great Britain’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson faces Belgian Nafi Thiam, both seeking their third world titles. Recent history has been closely contested, with the pair splitting the recent championships and Johnson-Thompson’s thirst for redemption palpable after narrowly losing to Thiam in Paris. With exciting performances in the works, this two-day event will capture the essence of athletic endurance and skill.
#### Men’s 400m
The men’s 400m final is scheduled for Thursday, September 18. British athlete Matthew Hudson-Smith is on the cusp of breaking through, having experienced close finishes in his previous outings. His recent European record of 43.44 seconds places him among the fastest competitors in history. However, he far from dominates this field, as American Jacory Patterson and fellow Brit Charlie Dobson also eye the podium. This race, packed with talent, is expected to deliver an electrifying display of speed and strategy.
### Conclusion
The World Athletics Championships in Tokyo with its robust array of events provides ample opportunities for drama, excitement, and inspiring moments. Athletes across the globe will battle for medals, records, and the kind of glory that can define careers. Each event listed combines elite competition with personal stakes, ensuring that viewers will witness the best of world athletics.
As fans prepare to tune in, whether in person or through broadcasts, it’s clear that this championship will play a significant role in shaping the narrative of athletics leading towards the Paris 2024 Olympics. With so many captivating storylines, don’t miss a moment of this spectacular showcase of human dedication, talent, and power.
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