2025 WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPS: all you need to know

The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo promises to be one of the electrifying editions yet, packed with compelling storylines and dramatic rivalries.

Over 2 000 athletes from more than 200 countries will participate in 49 events across men’s, women’s and mixed categories in Tokyo, Japan.

📍 Location & Dates

Host City: Tokyo, Japan

Venue: Japan National Stadium (rebuilt for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics)

Dates: 13–21 September 2025

Edition: 20th World Athletics Championships

SuperSport.com look at the most exciting narratives to watch unfold at the Japan National Stadium:

BROADCAST DETAILS:

All action is live on SuperSport Variety 3 and Africa 1

Day 1: Saturday, 13 Sept

• Morning session, 00:40am
• Evening session: 10:20am

Day 2: Sunday, 14 Sept

• Morning session, 00:40am
• Evening session: 10:05am

Day 3: Monday, 15 Sept

• Morning session, 00:40am
• Evening session: 11am

Day 4: Tuesday, 16 Sept

• Afternoon session, 11:20am

Day 5. Wednesday, 17 Sept

• Afternoon session: 10:50am

Day 6: Thursday, 18 Sept

• Afternoon session, 10:50am

Day 7: Friday, 19 Sept

• Afternoon session: 09:15am

Day 8: Saturday, 20 Sept

• Morning session: 00:10am
• Afternoon session: 10:25am

Day 9: Sunday, 21 Sept

• Morning session: 1:45am
• Afternoon session: 10:15am

🔥 TOP STORYLINES TO WATCH

1. RIVALRIES REIGNITED

Julien Alfred v Sha'Carri Richardson in the women’s 100m — a sprint showdown with Olympic-level intensity.

Letsile Tebogo v Noah Lyles in the men’s sprints — youth v experience in a battle for global supremacy.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone v Femke Bol in the 400m hurdles — two record-breakers going head-to-head.

Neeraj Chopra v Arshad Nadeem in javelin — a South Asian rivalry with world-class stakes.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi v Marco Arop in the 800m — tactical brilliance meets raw speed.

2. RECORD-BREAKING FEVER

Mondo Duplantis aims to extend his pole vault world record streak (currently at 6.29m).

Femke Bol, Devynne Charlton, and Beatrice Chebet are among the athletes who shattered records in 2024 and are poised to do it again.

3. SIMBINE, VAN NIEKERK LEAD SA CHARGE

Athletics South Africa has announced a 49-member team (32 men and 17 women) for the event.

The team features eight national record holders, including Akani Simbine (100m), Tshepo Tshite (1 500m), Adriaan Wildschutt (10 000m), Antonio Alkana (110m hurdles), Elroy Gelant (marathon), Marione Fourie (100m hurdles), Ashley Erasmus (shot put) and Jessica Groenewald (35km race walk).

Wayde van Niekerk, the 400m world record holder and the only former world outdoor champion in the team (having won the global 400m title in 2015 and 2017), will focus on the 200m event.

Though she hasn't won a world outdoor title, world indoor champion Prudence Sekgodiso is also in the squad.

4. TOKYO’S REDEMPTION ARC

After hosting the 2020 Olympics without spectators due to COVID-19, Tokyo finally gets its moment to shine with a packed stadium and roaring crowds.

5. RELAY DRAMA

Japan’s traditionally strong relay teams, especially in the 4x100m, will be looking to capitalise on home advantage.

The mixed 4x100m relay debuts, adding a fresh dynamic to team strategy and gender balance.

6. NEW STARS EMERGING

Rising talents like Mattia Furlani and Sembo Almayew are expected to make waves on the senior stage.

7. MARATHON MAGIC

The marathon route through Tokyo will be a spectacle of endurance, emotion, and urban beauty — a true test of grit and glory.