The World Athletics Championships kick off in Tokyo on Saturday, promising nine days of thrilling track and field action with the globe’s top athletes competing for glory. A total of 147 medals will be up for grabs across 49 events, alongside a prize pool of $8.5m (£6.3m). Here’s a look at some of the standout contests:
Women’s 1500m – Thursday 18 Sept (heats), Friday 19 Sept (semi-finals), Sunday 21 Sept (final)
Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson returns from injury to take on Great Britain’s Jemma Reekie and Georgia Hunter Bell. They face stiff competition from Kenya’s Mary Moraa, Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma, and Switzerland’s Audrey Werro.
Men’s 100m – Saturday 13 Sept (heats), Sunday 14 Sept (semi-finals & final)
Noah Lyles chases a third straight global title, while Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, Oblique Seville, and Australian teenager Gout Gout look to challenge. Britain’s Zharnel Hughes aims for a second world medal.
Women’s 200m – Saturday 13 Sept (heats), Sunday 14 Sept (semi-finals & final)
St Lucia’s Julien Alfred eyes a sprint double, with American Sha’Carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden also in contention. British stars Dina Asher-Smith, Daryl Neita, and Amy Hunt hope to feature, alongside Jamaican legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in her final major championship.
Men’s 1500m – Sunday 14 Sept (heats), Monday 15 Sept (semi-finals), Wednesday 17 Sept (final)
Josh Kerr defends his title against Jakob Ingebrigtsen, with American Cole Hocker adding intrigue. Yared Nuguse, the Olympic bronze medallist, failed to qualify, leaving the field open for surprises.
Combined events (heptathlon & decathlon) – Friday 19 Sept & Saturday 20 Sept
Katerina Johnson-Thompson and Belgian Nafi Thiam clash once again for heptathlon supremacy. Both are aiming for their third world titles, with a history of narrow victories and dramatic finishes.
Men’s 400m – Sunday 14 Sept (heats), Tuesday 16 Sept (semi-finals), Thursday 18 Sept (final)
Matthew Hudson-Smith goes for his first world title after narrowly missing out at the last two global championships. Teammate Charlie Dobson will look to upset the favourites after a stunning win at the London Diamond League.
With so many world-class athletes and intense rivalries, Tokyo is set to deliver an unforgettable championships full of record-breaking potential and memorable performances.
