(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
World Athletics Championships 2025: Duplantis Sets World Record, Beamish Stuns in Steeplechase
Tokyo: The World Athletics Championships 2025 turned into another showcase of brilliance from Armand Duplantis, while New Zealand’s Geordie Beamish stole the spotlight with a historic gold in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase.
Duplantis Breaks World Record Again
Swedish pole vault star Armand Duplantis retained his world title and then broke his own world record for the 14th time, clearing 6.30m on his final attempt.
The packed crowd of over 53,000 fans at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium erupted as Duplantis celebrated by leaping into the stands to hug his parents.
He had already secured gold with a vault of 6.15m before producing his record-breaking jump. Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis took silver at 6.00m, while Australia’s Kurtis Marschall claimed bronze with a personal best of 5.95m.
“I felt the only way to leave Japan was to set the world record,” said Duplantis. “I knew I had it in me today, and I just wanted to enjoy the moment.”
Beamish Delivers New Zealand’s First Track Gold
In one of the most dramatic finishes of the championships, Geordie Beamish powered past Morocco’s defending champion Soufiane El Bakkali at the line, winning by just 0.07 seconds.
Beamish clocked 8:33.88, edging out El Bakkali’s 8:33.95, to secure New Zealand’s first-ever world track gold medal.
“It’s unreal. I’m pretty stoked,” said the 28-year-old Kiwi. “It’s a first track gold for New Zealand at a world championships, which is pretty cool.”
El Bakkali, a two-time Olympic champion, was visibly heartbroken and collapsed on the track before being comforted by teammates.
Surprises in the Women’s Events
Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji delivered another upset, winning gold in the women’s 100m hurdles — the nation’s first medal in the discipline. The 23-year-old beat a strong field that included Olympic champion Masai Russell, who finished fourth.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Camryn Rogers successfully defended her title in the women’s hammer throw, celebrating with fans after another dominant display.
Tanzania Claims Marathon Gold
Earlier in the day, Alphonce Felix Simbu earned Tanzania’s first-ever world championship title, winning the marathon in dramatic style.
Simbu and Germany’s Amanal Petros both clocked 2:09:48, but the Tanzanian was adjudged winner by three-hundredths of a second after a powerful final dip at the line.
🔥 From Duplantis’ world record to Beamish’s historic gold, the Tokyo championships have delivered unforgettable moments, proving once again why athletics remains one of the most thrilling stages in global sport.
