Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone Shine Bright at World Championships in Tokyo
The 2025 World Championships in Tokyo showcased an unforgettable evening of athletics, highlighted by record-breaking performances from pole vaulter Armand Duplantis and sprinter Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. As the world’s top athletes gathered in Japan’s National Stadium, the stage was set for electrifying moments that captivated fans.
Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vault sensation, delivered a stunning performance that culminated in the 14th world record of his career. Under the floodlights, Duplantis soared to a height of 6.30 meters, reinforcing his status as one of athletics’ true superstars. “I felt the only way to leave Japan was to set the world record,” he declared, celebrating with family and competitors alike in a moment of pure joy.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone also made headlines with an extraordinary showing in the women’s 400m final. Transitioning from her dominance in the 400m hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone almost shattered a 40-year-old world record with a blistering time of 47.78 seconds, the second-fastest in history. Her performance came on a rainy Tokyo track, raising hopes that she could one day break the longstanding record of 47.60 seconds set by East German athlete Marita Koch in 1985.
The championships also witnessed remarkable achievements from other athletes. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden made history by completing the first women’s sprint double at a World Championships since 2013, winning gold in both the 100m and 200m events. She left Olympic champion Julien Alfred behind in the 100m, clocking an impressive 10.61 seconds.
In the men’s 100m final, Oblique Seville of Jamaica claimed gold with a time of 9.77 seconds, outpacing teammate Kishane Thompson and Olympic champion Noah Lyles. Seville, guided by Usain Bolt’s former coach Glen Mills, signaled the dawn of a new era in Jamaican sprinting, setting his sights on gold at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Jimmy Gressier of France surprised many by winning the men’s 10,000m, an event typically dominated by East African athletes. His victory speech included gratitude to anti-doping authorities for ensuring fair competition, and he promised to buy his girlfriend a car with his prize money.
Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet also stood out, securing a remarkable double by winning both the women’s 5,000m and 10,000m races. Her victories provided a much-needed boost for Kenya amid ongoing doping controversies, showcasing the nation’s resilience in distance running.
In the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, Geordie Beamish of New Zealand pulled off a stunning victory after recovering from a tumble in the heats. His last-minute surge earned him gold, adding to an impressive showing for New Zealand, which also saw Olympic champion Hamish Kerr win the high jump title.
