World Athletics Championship is a biennial event that brings together the planet’s pre-eminent runners, jumpers and throwers to decide the Ultimate Champion in each of their events. The championships are held in odd years, avoiding clashing with the Olympics which take place on a quadrennial basis in even-numbered years.
Athletes are ranked in the sport’s official World Rankings, and those who score best in each event compete at the championships. Unlike the Olympic Games, World Championships are open to athletes from all countries – provided they meet certain eligibility criteria based on their country’s sport federation rules.
The 2023 World Athletics Championships were a thrill a minute from start to finish, with unexpected triumphs and inevitable upsets all in evidence. From the great showman Gianmarco Tambieri feeding off the roar of a home crowd to claim his first high jump gold, to Sifan Hassan quite literally falling within sight of the line in the 10,000m and sacrificing what would have been a historic double win, this was an incredible championships.
Track and field is a sport of immense skill, and the championships showcase this in the sprints and the middle distances – including the shorter 800m and 1500m, as well as the longer 5000m and 10,000m. Throws are a test of strength and precision, while the relays demand synchronised teamwork with smooth and precise transfers of the baton. The Combined events are true tests of all-round prowess with the women’s heptathlon and men’s decathlon pitting athletes against seven and ten disciplines respectively.