The 2025 World Athletics Championships land in Tokyo, Japan from September 13 to 21, bringing the world’s top athletes to the track and field stage. This year’s event promises drama, history, and thrilling rivalries, and fans from Nigeria, Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and across Africa have plenty of reasons to tune in.
Nigeria & Africa: The Next Wave of Sprinting Power
Nigeria enters Tokyo with rising stars and seasoned veterans eager to make the podium.
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Tobi Amusan: After reclaiming her momentum in 2024, Amusan looks to defend her reputation in the 100m hurdles. She’s one of Africa’s top gold medal hopes.
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Ese Brume: The long jump specialist and Olympic bronze medalist remains a consistent medal threat.
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Ruth Usoro: Set for a breakout performance in the triple jump, Usoro has steadily improved her rankings on the Diamond League circuit.
Elsewhere in Africa:
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Letsile Tebogo (Botswana) is one of the most electrifying names in sprinting. The 21-year-old has already run sub-9.9 seconds in the 100m.
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Mary Moraa (Kenya) continues to dominate the 800m, showing elite form heading into Tokyo.
Canada: Can De Grasse Lead the Charge Again?
Canada’s medal hopes rest squarely on the shoulders of:
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Andre De Grasse: Olympic gold medalist and still one of the fastest men alive, De Grasse remains Canada’s best shot at glory in the 100m and 200m events.
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Marco Arop: Defending world champion in the 800m, Arop looks to maintain his dominance.
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Sarah Mitton: The shot putter has set national records and is expected to contend for the podium.
USA: Superstars on the Hunt
The U.S. team arrives as a powerhouse — and the Americans are targeting double-digit medals:
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Noah Lyles: Fresh off a triple gold at the 2023 Championships, Lyles is gunning for more in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay.
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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: Back in full fitness, McLaughlin-Levrone will challenge her own world records in the 400m hurdles.
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Sha’Carri Richardson: All eyes will be on her as she looks to back up her 2023 gold medal performance in the 100m.
Great Britain: Gemili, Hudson-Smith, and Asher-Smith Return
The British team includes a solid mix of experience and rising talent:
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Matthew Hudson-Smith: One of the top 400m runners in the world, and a legitimate medal contender.
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Dina Asher-Smith: Former world champion in the 200m, Asher-Smith will be eyeing a return to form.
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Keely Hodgkinson: One of the favourites in the women’s 800m, capable of challenging Moraa and Athing Mu (USA).
Global Spotlight: Who Else to Watch
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Armand Duplantis (Sweden): The pole vault world record holder continues to clear the bar — literally — and is likely to break his own mark again.
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Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway): One of the most dominant mid-distance runners on the planet, competing in the 1500m and 5000m.
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Mutaz Barshim (Qatar): Veteran high jumper chasing another world title.
Key Storylines to Follow
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USA vs Jamaica (Women’s Sprints): Sha’Carri Richardson vs Shericka Jackson vs Elaine Thompson-Herah is the rivalry to watch.
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The 800m Showdown: Arop (Canada), Moraa (Kenya), Hodgkinson (UK), and Athing Mu (USA) are all converging for a legendary battle.
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The Noah Lyles Era: Can he keep winning gold in all his events?
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Africa’s Momentum: More athletes from Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia are poised to shift the balance on the global stage.
Where to Watch & When
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The event runs from Sept 13 to 21 with prime-time finals daily.
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Streaming available globally via World Athletics YouTube, CBC Sports (Canada), SuperSport (Africa), NBC (USA), and BBC Sport (UK).
Final Word
The World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo aren’t just about gold medals — they’re about national pride, redemption arcs, world records, and new heroes. Whether you’re backing the Green & White of Nigeria, waving the Maple Leaf, or following global megastars, Tokyo is the place to be this September.