Record Number of Nations Shine at World Athletics Championships in Tokyo
In a historic turn of events, the 20th edition of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo saw a record 53 countries making their mark on the medal table, surpassing the previous record of 46 set in Osaka in 2007 and matched in Budapest two years ago. The championship, which concluded on Sunday, highlighted an extraordinary celebration of athletic talent from around the globe.
Among the standout moments, Samoa, Saint Lucia, and Uruguay celebrated their first-ever medals at the World Championships, showcasing the growing diversity and competitiveness in athletics.
One of the most thrilling highlights of the event was Mondo Duplantis of Sweden, who broke the pole vault world record for the 14th time with an impressive leap of 6.30 meters. His performance continues to cement his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
American sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden made headlines by completing a sprint treble, winning gold in the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay. She wasn’t alone in her success; Kenyan distance runner Beatrice Chebet and Spanish race walker Maria Perez each took home double gold in their respective events, further adding to the excitement of the championships.
“What we have seen over the past nine days here in Tokyo is an indelible and compelling celebration of human sporting endeavour,” remarked *World Athletics President Sebastian Coe*. “Tokyo has set the stage for some of our sport’s most extraordinary performances.”
The event attracted a massive crowd, with *619,288 fans* filling the stands over the course of the championships. This was a significant contrast to the previous Olympic Games held at the same venue four years ago, where events took place without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Over the past nine days, we have witnessed so many unforgettable moments,” said *Mitsugi Ogata*, President of the Local Organising Committee. “There was never a quiet moment in the stadium.”
