It’s GO for GOld in Tokyo !
It has been just over a year since the Olympics finished in Paris and many including myself have been suffering from Olympic withdrawals ever since. Luckily the start of the Tokyo World Athletics Championship is just around the corner and promises to be just exciting as the Olympics.
The World Athletics Championship will be hosted at the National Olympic Stadium which held the 2020 Olympics. The opening ceremony will celebration of Japanese culture and will take place on the 13th of September. The city will has been transformed to host around 2200 athletes from 198 countries that are competing. This is the 20th edition of the Athletics Championship and the second time that Tokyo will be hosting the event.
The Tokyo National Olympic Stadium
The Tokyo National Stadium, built for the 2020 Olympics, was designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. He aimed to blend Japanese aesthetics with functionality, creating a structure that is both visually striking and highly practical. In athletics mode, the stadium accommodates up to 68,000 spectators, making it a world-class venue for major sporting events.
Beyond its impressive scale, the stadium also showcases eco-friendly features and a deep connection to nature. Its design incorporates natural ventilation, energy-efficient systems, and timber sourced from all 47 prefectures of Japan, symbolising national unity. Surrounded by lush greenery, the stadium seamlessly integrates into its environment while providing a calming atmosphere. Today, it stands not only as an Olympic legacy but also as a cultural landmark, hosting concerts, international tournaments, and large-scale events that continue to draw global attention.
Tokyo World Athletics Championship Events
This year’s World Athletics Championship will feature 49 events. Athletes will compete across 29 disciplines in men’s, women’s, and mixed categories, with 49 medals up for grabs
The events held at the Tokyo Athletics Championship include: Track relays, 4 x 100m, 4 x 400m, marathon (men and women) and mixed 4 x 400m. Race Walks that include a 20km and a 35km walk for men and women.
Field events include the high jump, pole vault, long jump and triple jump. Throws include shot put, discus, hammer throw and javelin throw. The men’s Decathlon includes 10 disciplines, and the women’s Heptathlon includes seven disciplines
The South African Delegation
49 of South Africa’s best athletes have made their way to Tokyo to compete in the World Championships. The team is made up of 17 women and 23 men. The team includes Wayde van Niekerk who is the current world record holder. He also won the title in 2015 and 2012. He will be focusing on the 200m at the Championship. Javelin thrower Jo-Ane du Plessis is the only other Olympic medal holder in the South African squad.
23 year old Prudence Tebogo Sekgodiso specialises in the 800m. She won gold in the 800m at the World Indoor World Championships in China. Where she set a new indoor world record in China earlier this year.
Our men’s 4 x 100m athletes will be hoping to continue their run so to speak. They won silver at the Olympics last year and gold at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou earlier this year. Both them women and men’s 4 x 400m achieved success at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou earlier this season. The men won the gold and set a new record. Udeme Okon, Leendert Koekemoer, Zakithi Nene and Gardeo Isaacs the men’s 4 x 400m team. The 4 x 400m women set a new South African record and won bronze at the World Athletics Relays. The 4 x 400m team representing South Africa is Precious Molepo, Zeney Geldenhuys, Shirley Nekhubui and Miranda Coetzee.
How to Watch the Championship
The organising committee decided to move the event to September. Furthermore they scheduled the event to avoid Tokyo’s humid summer heat. The time difference makes watching the games live challenging, but SuperSport will broadcast them. Here is to South Africa coming home with five gold medals and a few world records. Odds will become available on the events from our preferred partners. Eietherway let is support our team! For other big sport events this month have a look at our September Sport Preview where you will find rugby, NFL, Soccer and so much more.
Athletics Betting Sites
Athletics has always captured the hearts of South Africans, with local stars delivering world-class performances on the track and field. From explosive sprints to grueling long-distance races, South African athletes continue to inspire fans and also raise the nation’s profile on the global stage. Therefore as major events like the Olympics and World Championships unfold, bettors actively turn to trusted platforms to place their wagers and support their favourites.
With athletics betting sites in South Africa, you can explore a wide range of markets, back your chosen athletes, as well as feel the thrill of every race, jump, or throw. By choosing the right sportsbook like Betway or Hollywoodbets, you not only enjoy exciting betting opportunities but also show your pride and stand firmly behind Team South Africa.
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