The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, concluded with a flourish, setting new benchmarks for global participation, viewership, and digital engagement. While Nigeria’s performance landed them in a tie for 27th place with a single silver medal, the championships themselves resonated with audiences worldwide, highlighting both individual brilliance and the expanding reach of the sport. The event saw a record number of participating nations, individual medalists, and widespread media coverage, solidifying its place as a landmark moment in athletics history.
Nigeria’s solitary medal was secured by Tobi Amusan, who continued her reign as the nation’s most consistent international performer with a silver in the women’s 100m hurdles. While Amusan’s achievement provided a bright spot, the overall performance of the 15-athlete Nigerian delegation was a mixed bag. Ezekiel Nathaniel delivered a promising performance in the men’s 400m hurdles, setting a new national record and finishing fourth. Kanyinsola Ajayi also impressed with a sixth-place finish in the men’s 100m final. However, several other athletes failed to progress beyond the preliminary rounds, leaving Nigeria yearning for more success on the world stage.
The United States dominated the medal table, securing a commanding lead with 16 gold medals and a total of 26 medals overall. Kenya, Canada, the Netherlands, and Botswana rounded out the top five, showcasing the global depth of talent in athletics. A record 53 nations earned a place on the medal table, surpassing the previous high of 46, demonstrating the growing competitiveness and global appeal of the sport. The championships also witnessed remarkable achievements, including a new world record in the men’s pole vault by Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis, along with nine championship records and nine area records.
Beyond the established powerhouses, the championships provided a platform for several nations to achieve historic firsts. Samoa, Saint Lucia, and Uruguay celebrated their inaugural medals on the world stage, while Tanzania secured its first-ever world championship gold. These breakthrough performances underscore the expanding reach of athletics and the increasing competitiveness of nations across the globe. The emergence of new medal-winning countries adds a compelling narrative of progress and global inclusion to the world athletics landscape.
Individual brilliance shone brightly throughout the championships, with several athletes delivering outstanding performances. US sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden achieved a remarkable treble, winning gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet and Spain’s Maria Perez also secured double gold medals, showcasing their exceptional versatility and dominance in their respective events. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone produced a stunning performance in the women’s 400m, clocking the second-fastest time in history to claim the title. Canada’s Ethan Katzberg also etched his name in the record books with a championship record-breaking throw in the men’s hammer throw.
The 2025 World Athletics Championships transcended the realm of sporting competition, becoming a global spectacle that captivated audiences worldwide. Over 619,000 fans attended the event, exceeding the attendance figures from the 1991 Tokyo championships and creating an electrifying atmosphere. Television viewership reached unprecedented levels, with over 12 million viewers tuning in from Japan alone on the opening day. The championships also generated significant buzz on social media, attracting 700 million video views across various platforms. The extensive media coverage, with over 125,000 articles published globally, further amplified the reach and impact of the event, estimated to have reached a potential audience of 180 billion. The resounding success of the Tokyo championships solidified its position as a pivotal moment in the history of athletics, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and inspiring future generations of athletes.
