As the countdown begins for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, the spotlight is on more than just the medal tally. With the world’s elite athletes set to converge in Japan’s capital from 13 to 21 September, the stage is primed not only for high-stakes competition—but also for potential record-breaking feats.
At the previous edition in Budapest in 2023, the numbers were staggering:
- 1 world record
- 7 championship records
- 11 area (continental) records
- 73 national records
These statistics reflect a trend of athletes consistently pushing the boundaries of human performance—something fans and analysts are already anticipating in Tokyo.
From the blistering sprints to endurance-testing marathons, gravity-defying jumps to raw-power throws, the 2025 Championships will feature 49 events (24 each for men and women, plus the mixed 4x400m relay). Every one of these disciplines carries the potential for a new mark to be etched into the record books.
What Will It Take to Break a Record in Tokyo?
Records in athletics are not simply about peak physical condition. They require perfect conditions, mental fortitude, flawless execution, and sometimes, a bit of luck. Tokyo, known for its cutting-edge stadium and technology, offers an ideal backdrop. However, athletes will still need to outdo some of the most iconic performances in history.
Whether it’s the men’s 400m hurdles, where Karsten Warholm famously shattered the world record in 2021, or the women’s 100m, where the margin for error is mere milliseconds, expectations are sky-high.
Some of the most anticipated events include:
- Men’s and women’s 100m & 200m: Sprint showdowns expected to draw global attention.
- Men’s pole vault: Could Mondo Duplantis raise the bar even higher?
- Women’s triple jump: Yulimar Rojas’ dominance continues—can she break her own record again?
- Mixed 4x400m relay: A relatively new event with room for innovation and speed.
Beyond the records, Tokyo 2025 will celebrate the spirit of global unity and excellence in sport. With the world’s top athletes in peak form just a year after the Paris 2024 Olympics, many could be riding the momentum toward historic achievements.
As always, the beauty of athletics lies in its unpredictability. While medals may be the ultimate goal, the thrill of the unexpected, and the chance to witness history, are what will truly define Tokyo 25.
