The eighth day of the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo brought a series of electrifying performances, with Anna Hall and Beatrice Chebet making history on the track and field. The packed schedule delivered unforgettable moments as athletes rose to the occasion, securing their places in the record books.
Anna Hall captures first World Championship gold
American star Hall delivered the performance of her career in the women’s heptathlon, clinching her first-ever World Championship gold medal. She amassed 6888 points, overcoming a competitive field to stand on the top of the podium.
This gold marks a major milestone for Anna Hall, who had previously won silver in Budapest 2023 and bronze in Eugene 2022. On Saturday, she left behind Ireland’s Kate O’Connor, who set a new national record with 6714 points, while Taliyah Brooks (USA) and Katarina Johnson-Thompson (GBR) tied for third with 6581 points each.
Hall’s consistency across events proved decisive as she finally transformed her potential into golden glory.
Beatrice Chebet stuns Faith Kipyegon in 5000m final
In one of the most anticipated showdowns of the Championships, Kenya’s Chebet shocked the world by dethroning her illustrious compatriot, Faith Kipyegon, in the women’s 5000m final. Chebet crossed the line in 14:54.36, narrowly edging out Kipyegon, who clocked 14:55.07.
Kipyegon, the defending champion and one of the most dominant middle-distance runners in history, appeared set to defend her title. However, Beatrice Chebet’s finishing kick in the final stretch secured her place at the top of the podium. Italy’s Nadia Battocletti claimed bronze in 14:55.42.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s golden redemption in men’s 800m
Kenya celebrated again as Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the reigning Olympic champion, stormed to his first World Championship gold medal in the men’s 800m. Wanyonyi set a championship record of 1:41.86, finishing just ahead of Djamel Sedjati (ALG) in 1:41.90 SB, and Canada’s Marco Arop, who took bronze with 1:41.95 SB.
After winning silver in Budapest 2023, Wanyonyi’s golden moment in Tokyo marked a perfect redemption, solidifying his dominance in the two-lap event.
Other notable results
Women’s 20km race walk final: Spain’s Maraa Perez triumphed with a season-best 1:25:54, followed by Mexico’s Alegna González (1:26:06 AR) and Japan’s Fujii Nakano (1:26:18 NR).
Men’s 20km race walk final: Brazil’s Caio Bonfim clinched gold in 1:18:35, narrowly ahead of China’s Wang Zhaozhao (1:18:43) and Spain’s Paul McGrath (1:18:45).
Women’s shot put final: The Netherlands’ Jessica Schilder struck gold with 20.29m, beating USA’s Chase Jackson (20.21m) and New Zealand’s Maddison-Lee Wesche (20.06m =PB).
Women’s javelin throw final: Ecuador’s Juleisy Angulo broke the national record with 65.12m to claim gold, ahead of Anete Sietiņa (LAT) 64.64m PB and Mackenzie Little (AUS) 63.58m.
Day 8 of the Championships truly lived up to expectations, showcasing thrilling upsets, career-defining triumphs, and a glimpse of athletics’ bright future.
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