For many athletes, the World Athletics Championship is a pinnacle of their career. It’s nine days jam-packed with 49 track and field events: 24 for men, 24 for women and a mixed-gender relay event. That’s a lot of running, jumping and throwing. It can be hard to keep up.
But for those who do manage to stay up, it’s a chance to witness some of the most dynamic and impressive action in sport. It’s where you see the best of the best — and you get a sneak peek at what to expect at the Olympics the following year.
Unlike the Summer Olympics, which are held every four years, Worlds happens on a biennial basis, giving title-hungry athletes more opportunities to flex their muscles. Originally started in 1983, it has since expanded to include every discipline, offering even more chances for title holders to win a world crown.
In the past, Worlds has given the world a lot of its most memorable moments. From Usain Bolt’s lightning bolt of a sprint to Jamaica’s dominance in the 4x100m relay, the competition has made a name for itself.
There was a sense of pride and relief at Khalifa Stadium on Sunday as the 2021 World Athletics Championships wrapped up in Doha, Qatar. Amid a number of upsets and close calls, there was also an abundance of spectacular performances. Whether it was Letsile Tebogo’s resounding silver in the 100m, or Zharnel Hughes and Josh Kerr’s powerful bronze medal finishes in the 400m and 1500m respectively, Great Britain has once again proven that it’s one of the top teams in the sport.