The World Athletics Championship is a biennial global outdoor track and field competition for senior athletes, organized by the sport’s world governing body, World Athletics – previously known as the International Association of Athletic Federations. Held alongside the Olympic Games, the Championships are the highest level of competition for senior international outdoor athletics, including marathon running and race walking. They are the most prestigious event in the sport’s history, with competitors from all over the world convening to battle for glory and a spot on the medal podium.
The 2023 World Athletics Championships were held in Budapest, Hungary from 19 to 27 August 2023. The Championships returned to their normal two-year cycle, having been postponed from 2020 in Eugene, Oregon, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spectators from all over the globe packed into the National Athletics Centre to watch some of the best action in sport. The spectacle drew an incredible 404,088 visitors over nine days and produced some spellbinding performances. The short middle distances of 800m and 1500m tested the athletes’ ability to hold a high pace over several laps while the long-distance races such as the 5000m and 10,000m required endurance in spades. Hurdles – a staple in most track and field events – showcased the athletes’ skill as they sprinted over hurdles at breakneck speeds.
American athletes have had the most success at the World Athletics Championship, with Carl Lewis and Mary Decker claiming a combined total of four golds each. In the middle distances, British bright lights Keely Hodgkinson and Ben Pattison each clinched silver medals while Faith Kipyego of Kenya added a 1500m-3000m double to her resume. The final day saw a number of thrilling highs and lows, including Femke Bol falling within sight of the finish line in the women’s 3000m steeplechase.