With sell-out stadia and spellbinding performances, the World Athletics Championships have become one of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events on the calendar. The 2023 edition, held in Budapest, proved why that is the case. Femke Bol’s fall within sight of the line in the marathon and her dazzling anchor leg in the mixed 4x400m relay were both unforgettable moments. Those were just two of the many highlights as Nigeria’s Prestina Ochonogor soars to a 10-year-old championship record for long jump gold, and Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon completes a 1500m-5000m double.
The prestigious event launched in 1983 and has since provided a platform for some of the planet’s greatest runners, jumpers, throwers and race walkers to produce historic performances, with 36 world records set at the championships. Usain Bolt’s four victories at the event are the highest number of any athlete.
Athletes have also used the championships to test new limits. For instance, the marathon saw athletes pushing for a sub-three-hour time. In the case of the race walkers, it’s an even more demanding challenge with a full distance to cover in the heat and humidity. The 3,000m steeplechase is a true test of endurance, and the 5,000m is a showcase for long-distance specialists. Hurdles require the perfect balance of speed and agility to make it over obstacles, and the high jump, long jump and pole vault display an extraordinary ability to soar into the air. Similarly, the hammer throw demands a good understanding of the laws of physics and the ability to manipulate the ball.