From August 19 to 27, the best track and field athletes from around the world competed for medals and titles at the World Athletics Championship. With unlikely triumphs, inevitable upsets and unfortunate falls all on show, it was a thrilling nine days of elite sport.
In contrast to the Olympic Games, which occur once every four years, the World Championships are held on a biennial basis each year in a different country. While the Olympics are restricted to a limited number of sports, the World Championships are a true showcase for all of the track and field disciplines.
As a result, the competition can feel even more exciting than the Olympic Games. That’s particularly true if you watch the long and middle distance races, where the athletes’ mental strength is put to the test. Then there are the grueling events like the marathon and race walking, where athletes have to endure a punishing mix of temperatures and humidity.
Despite the challenging conditions, some athletes still produced impressive performances. For example, Keely Hodgkinson secured second place in the 800m and Ireland’s Ciara Mageean won bronze. Meanwhile, British sprinters Zharnel Hughes and Matthew Hudson-Smith clinched bronze in the 100m and 400m respectively.
The women’s 1500m final was another highlight of the day. With 2022 Olympic champion Sifan Hassan missing out due to a knee injury, Dutch multi-distance star Sifan Bol took advantage. Although she initially stayed toward the back of the pack, she moved into fifth position with 600 meters remaining before battling Aregawi for victory in the final stride.