Day five of the World Athletics Championships promises high drama in Tokyo as some of the sport’s biggest names return to the track and field. With Olympic champions and world record holders in action, fans can look forward to showdowns that could define the championships.
Here are three stand-out events to follow:
Men’s 1,500m Final
The 1,500m has already delivered shocks before the final gun. Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the 2021 Olympic champion, failed to progress from the heats after struggling with an Achilles injury, while American Olympic champion Cole Hocker was controversially disqualified in the semi-finals for jostling.
That leaves Britain’s Josh Kerr, the reigning world champion, and his teammate Jake Wightman, who claimed gold in 2022, as the men to beat. Kerr, confident of defending his crown, declared: “I am coming here as someone who’s done it before and I am coming to do it again.”
They will face stiff competition from a hungry field that includes fellow Scot Neil Gourlay, rising Dutch star Niels Laros, Kenya’s Timothy and Reynold Cheruiyot, Spain’s Adrien Ben, and Portugal’s Isaac Nader.
Jake Wightman, Neil Gourley and Josh Kerr haven’t been in a final together since 2019 🙏
They’ll reunite in the 1500m final on Wednesday 👊#NovunaGBNI #WCHTokyo25 pic.twitter.com/L5A8yfi0EH
— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) September 15, 2025
Women’s Pole Vault Final
All eyes will be on American Katie Moon as she chases a third straight world title to add to her Olympic gold from Tokyo 2021. Moon cleared 4.60m in qualification and leads a strong American contingent featuring Sandi Morris, a three-time world silver medallist, and teenager Hana Moll.
Morris is eyeing redemption in Tokyo after a freak accident ended her Olympic campaign three years ago. “I broke a pole in qualification and got injured, so I’ve already started better than last time I was here,” she said.
Australia’s Olympic champion Nina Kennedy is absent due to injury, while Britain’s Molly Caudery, a former world indoor champion, was forced to withdraw after hurting her ankle in warm-up.
2025 Tokyo World Championships | W Pole Vault qualifying
Arkansas alum Sandi Morris cleared 15-1 (4.60) to reach the 14-person final pic.twitter.com/qQ8ODQCmFF
— RazorbackTF/XC (@RazorbackTF) September 15, 2025
Men’s and Women’s 200m Heats
Noah Lyles, the reigning 200m king, begins his quest for a fourth consecutive world title in his signature event. After settling for bronze in Sunday’s 100m final, the American insisted his focus is now fixed on his specialty. “The focus is now on 200 metres—that’s my bread and butter,” he said.
In the women’s field, Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia has pulled out due to a hamstring strain, leaving the door wide open. Her absence boosts the chances of America’s Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, fresh off a sensational 100m victory in 10.61 seconds. “It’s a great start to my second world championships. I am excited about the 200 metres now,” she said.
Thank you Tokyo for all the Love pic.twitter.com/7CzbPy4TOf
— Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) September 9, 2025
Source – My News Ghana
About the Author
