The World Athletics Championship is the world championships in track and field athletics organized by World Athletics (formerly International Association of Athletic Federations). Along with the Olympic Games, it forms the highest level of senior international outdoor competition in the sport.
The milestone 20th edition of the World Athletics Championship will serve as the season finale to an exciting summer for track and field athletes. With a number of intriguing storylines, there’s plenty to discover as the world’s best athletes gather in Tokyo for the milestone event that marks the first time the championships have been held in Japan since 1983.
Jeannette and Rob discover that Saint Lucian sprint sensation Julien Alfred will be looking to make history in the men’s 100m final. And in The Vault, Karsten Warholm will be hoping to rebound after a disappointing run at the Paris Olympics.
The defending world champion over 400m hurdles is also coming to the championships with a lot of confidence. However, he faces a tough challenge from the likes of runner-up Rai Benjamin of the USA and Brazilian Alison dos Santos, who both broke the world record in this event earlier this year.
The first three days of the championships have been disrupted by extreme heat in Tokyo. Temperatures are expected to peak at 34C on Wednesday and the organisers have moved up some races’ start times in order to ensure athletes’ safety. The organisers said in a statement: “We have taken this decision in consultation with the World Athletics Health & Science Department. This is the best way we can ensure the athletes’ health and safety.”