World Athletics Championship brings together the planet’s best runners, jumpers, throwers and race walkers to push the boundaries of what human bodies can do. The event takes place every two years and is separate from the Olympic Games, which are held on a quadrennial basis in even-numbered years.
In the years since it first took place, World Athletics Championships has helped to keep track and field on people’s radar. It has also served to show that despite being an Olympics sport, track and field is not all about the Olympic Games. Instead, the Championships serve as a great way for athletes to showcase their talent and give fans a taste of what it’s like to be an athlete in a more relaxed environment.
Spectators in Doha were treated to an amazing series of performances from the planet’s best athletes. From a stunning sprint double from American Justin Gatlin to a jaw-dropping victory in the 1500m by British bright light Josh Kerr, there was plenty to marvel at.
The middle and long distances — including the 800m and 1500m — challenged athletes’ ability to maintain a steady pace for several laps. The jumps and hurdles required the athletes to maintain their speed while navigating obstacles. And the marathon, the only event to go beyond the confines of a stadium, tested their endurance over a 26.2-mile course. The Championships, which ended on Sunday, included 36 world records. 18 were set by men, and 15 by women.