The World Athletics Championships opened at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, the same venue that hosted the 2020 Olympic Games, then marked by empty stands due to the pandemic. This time, with packed crowds, the atmosphere has been completely different from the very first session and, within just one weekend, fans have already witnessed records and surprises — from a marathon decided by photo finish to the emergence of Usain Bolt’s new heir.

The first two evening sessions were sold out, and organizers confirmed that nearly 500,000 tickets have been sold for the event as a whole. World Athletics (WA) president Sebastian Coe highlighted that these were “full stadiums, noisy, passionate and knowledgeable fans,” a crucial element in bringing major international competitions back to the Japanese capital.

Tanzania’s first-ever world gold

The men’s marathon produced one of the most unusual moments of the championships. Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu edged out Germany’s Amanal Petros in a dramatic photo finish, with just 0.03 seconds separating them. Both crossed the line in 2:09:48, but the gold went to Simbu, giving Tanzania its first world title in history. Never before had a marathon at a major championship been decided with such fine margins.

In the 10,000 metres, a distance traditionally dominated by Ethiopia, Uganda or Kenya —with Britain’s Mo Farah the main exception in recent years— the opening weekend delivered unexpected results. France’s Jimmy Gressier took gold in the men’s race and Italy’s Nadia Battocletti claimed silver in the women’s, breaking through African dominance in one of the most emblematic long-distance events.

Jamaica shines again in the 100 metres

In sprinting, Jamaica regained the spotlight thanks to Oblique Seville, who stormed to victory in the men’s 100 metres with 9.77 seconds. It was Jamaica’s first world title in the event since the era of Usain Bolt. The man himself was in the stadium, celebrating his compatriot’s success, a symbolic moment marking Jamaica’s return to the top. Kishane Thompson completed a Jamaican one-two with silver, while Noah Lyles of the United States took bronze.

In the women’s 100 metres, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden of the United States claimed gold in 10.61, a championship record. Tina Clayton of Jamaica secured silver and Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia earned bronze, in a final that once again underlined the fierce rivalry between Jamaica and the United States.

Organization, climate and early impressions from Tokyo

The heat and humidity of Tokyo in September forced organizers to adapt schedules and strengthen hydration and medical protocols. “The conditions were tough, but thanks to the water points and the timing of the races we were able to compete safely,” said Nadia Battocletti after the women’s 10,000 metres final.

An organizing committee spokesperson added: “All necessary precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of athletes and spectators in the face of the climate, with reinforced medical shifts and expanded recovery areas.”