The 20th edition of the World Athletics Championships hits Tokyo from 13–21 September 2025, bringing together over 2,000 of the world’s top athletes from 200+ nations at the Japan National Stadium. From sprints to marathon, field events to relays — it’s nine days of global drama, records, and unforgettable moments. This guide will lay out the full schedule, how to watch depending on where you are, and some must-read previews to get you excited.
Australian team
A record 88 athletes when the team was announced has been reduced to 86 with the withdrawal of Nina Kennedy (pole vault) and Andy Buchanan (marathon) due to injury. The selection appeal in the women’s 5000m has resulted in Lauren Ryan missing out on that event (she’ll contest only the 10000m).
Australian Event Timetable
With thanks from Andrew Pryrn via the Athletes Australia Facebook Group, an AEST timetable annotated with all Australian competitors. With Tokyo one hour behind the Australian east coast, the time could hardly be better for viewing.
Where to watch
An unprecedented two free-to-air broadcasters are showing the event: SBS Viceland and Nine (Now and Gem). Unfortunately it means some split of commentary talent – so take your choice:
SBS: Bruce McAveney (host), Tamsyn Manou (track) and David Basheer (field)
Nine: Tony Jones (host), Matt Hill (track), Brenton Speed (field), Nina Kennedy, Genevieve Gregson and David Culbert (post event interviews).
Podcasts
Focused on the distance action, Australia’s leading running podcast Inside Running Podcast will have daily recaps of the event.
Live Results and Radio
World Athletics have the official results and a live radio stream throughout the event.
News leading into Tokyo
The eve of a major championships become a focal point for activity – some negative, some in anticipation and some in celebration:
Integrity
Improving Jess Hull and Gout Gout’s chances are bans handed down on the eve of the event to Ethiopia’s Diribe Weltegi (3:51 1500m, provisionally suspended) and USA’s Erriyon Knighton (200m, now banned for 4 years).
Mike Powell, who set the world record at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo in arguably the greatest long jump contest in history, is facing a Safeguarding Order preventing him having accreditation or guest in hospitality at the event.
>> Read more at The Sports Examiner
In anticipation
Great coverage of upcoming Australian athletes, including these ABC features on Claudia Hollingsworth and Torrie Lewis.
Retirement
35-year-old 3-time Olympian Henry Frayne announced his retirement on the eve of the championship. A World Indoor and Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Frayne was a much liked and respected member of the Australian team for over a decade. Tributes have come from many former team mates, including marathoner Jess Stenson: “One of the all-time greats ☺️. I feel grateful to have been able been able to call you a team mate Henry! All the best”
