Faith Kipyegon of Kenya competes in the women’s 1500m race during the Diamond League Golden Gala athletics meeting at the Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy, 30 August 2024. EPA/RICCARDO ANTIMIANI

The 2025 World Athletics Championships will take place from September 13 to 21 in Tokyo, featuring elite athletes from around the globe competing in track and field events with live coverage on SuperSport Africa during morning and afternoon sessions.

African athletes are positioned to make significant impacts across multiple disciplines. Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon remains the dominant force in middle distance running, holding world records in both the 1500m and 5000m. Her consistent performances throughout the season have established her as the athlete to beat in both events.

Fellow Kenyan Beatrice Chebet enters the championships as the reigning Olympic champion in the 5000m and 10,000m, currently ranked number one globally in both distances as she seeks to add world championship titles to her collection.

Another Kenyan standout, Janeth Chepngetich, brings impressive credentials after winning gold in the 10,000m at the 2024 African Games. Her preparation has been exceptional, highlighted by a personal best time of 14:40.25 in the 5000m at the Prefontaine Classic, demonstrating her readiness for the global stage.

Ethiopia’s representation includes notable talents such as Freweyni Hailu, who claimed victory as the 2024 World Indoor 1500m champion and followed up with the 2025 World Indoor 3000m title. Her ability to compete effectively across different distances makes her a versatile threat in multiple events.

Rising Ethiopian star Biniam Mehary has captured attention by setting multiple under 20 world records in the 1500m, 3000m and 10,000m.

South African sprinter Akani Simbine continues to demonstrate remarkable consistency, achieving the distinction of becoming the first athlete to run sub 10 seconds in the 100m for eleven consecutive years. His sustained excellence positions him as a strong medal contender in the sprint events.

Akani Simbine of South Africa celebrates after winning the Men’s 100m Final at the World Athletics Wanda Diamond League meeting in Suzhou, China, 27 April 2024. EPA/ALEX PLAVEVSKI

Compatriot Prudence Sekgodiso has emerged as a formidable competitor in the 800m, securing notable victories in Diamond League competition through tactical racing and physical strength that should carry her to the finals.

International competition will be fierce with Norwegian middle distance specialist Jakob Ingebrigtsen in exceptional form, having recently set world records in the indoor 1500m and mile. His current dominance across middle distance events makes him a clear favorite for gold.

American sprinter Melissa Jefferson Wooden maintains an unbeaten streak in the 100m, recently recording 10.76 seconds in Brussels, showcasing the explosive speed that separates her from competitors.

Reigning world champion Sha’Carri Richardson brings her dynamic racing style and competitive intensity to defend her 100m title, adding another layer of excitement to the sprint competitions.

USA’s Sha’Carri Richardson during the Women’s 100m heats at the Stade de France on the seventh day of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in France. Picture date: Friday August 2, 2024.

The championship program encompasses a comprehensive range of disciplines designed to test every aspect of athletic ability. Sprint events in the men’s and women’s 100m and 200m promise intense competition with athletes like Simbine, Jefferson Wooden and Richardson expected to deliver thrilling performances.

Middle distance races, particularly the 1500m and 5000m, will feature standout talents including Kipyegon, Chebet, and Ingebrigtsen in what should produce memorable racing.

Long distance events including the 10,000m and marathon will showcase endurance specialists pushing their limits for podium positions, while field events such as javelin, pole vault and long jump will highlight the technical precision and raw athleticism that define elite competition.

Competition coverage will be available live on SuperSport Africa with morning sessions beginning approximately 00:40 EAT and afternoon sessions starting around 10:20 EAT throughout the nine day championship period from Saturday, September 13 through Sunday, September 21.

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