World Athletics Championships 2024: What You Need To Know

Introduction to the World Athletics Championships 2024

The World Athletics Championships 2024 is set to captivate sports fans worldwide as elite athletes gather at Tokyo's National Stadium for nine days of thrilling competition. This event marks a significant moment for athletics, returning to Tokyo since the 2020 Olympics, which were notably affected by the pandemic. With prize money totalling $8.5 million and a high level of competition, the championships promise excitement and world-class performances.

Top athletes and stars to watch

The championships feature a stellar lineup, including Olympic champions and world record holders. American sprinter Noah Lyles aims for a historic third consecutive global 100m gold, having famously edged out Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo in a photo finish in Paris. Alongside Lyles, competitors like Kenneth Bednarek and Jamaica's Kishane Thompson will provide fierce competition.

On the women's sprinting side, Julien Alfred of St Lucia will seek to replicate her Olympic success by targeting a sprint double after her 100m gold and 200m silver in Paris. The legendary Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, seeking to add to her 24 global medals, will compete in the 100m and the 4x100m relay, despite the absence of Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas due to injury.

World record chases and field events

Sweden's Armand Duplantis, who broke the men's pole vault world record 13 times, is expected to not only defend his fifth consecutive world title but also aim for a clearance above 6.30m to secure the $100,000 world record bonus. Meanwhile, Belgian heptathlete Nafi Thiam and British star Katarina Johnson-Thompson will battle for supremacy in the heptathlon after their impressive Olympic performances.

Great Britain’s medal hopes and standout athletes

Great Britain arrives with strong medal prospects, led by Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson. After a challenging year due to injury and a delayed return to competition, Hodgkinson's recent performances, including the fastest 800m time of the year in Silesia, mark her as the favourite for gold.

Training partner Georgia Hunter Bell, shifting focus to the 800m, and Jemma Reekie add depth to the women's middle-distance events. Defending world champions Josh Kerr (men’s 1500m) and Johnson-Thompson (heptathlon) will also be in action, alongside Matthew Hudson-Smith targeting gold in the men's 400m after multiple global podium finishes.

The British relay squads, particularly the women’s 4x100m team featuring Dina Asher-Smith, Daryll Neita and Amy Hunt, are poised to continue their success following a silver medal at the Olympics. World bronze medallist Zharnel Hughes is a dual threat in the 100m and 200m, supported by world indoor 60m champion Jeremiah Azu in sprint events.

Emerging talents and other contenders

Other notable British contenders include Molly Caudery in the pole vault, who recently expressed confidence in her readiness to challenge for a world title, and Max Burgin in the 800m, who has shown promising form in recent Diamond League meets. Marathon runner Emile Cairess looks to build on his strong Olympic finish, while high jumper Morgan Lake's recent 2m clearance highlights her medal potential.

Veteran Laura Muir and rising star George Mills bring experience and fresh talent to the middle-distance and long-distance events, respectively, while Charlie Dobson joins the men’s 400m roster, enhancing Britain’s overall strength.

Challenges and conditions in Tokyo

The championships will take place amid expected extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to exceed 30°C. This will test athletes' endurance and strategy, especially in longer distance and endurance events. Tokyo’s time zone difference means UK fans will watch morning sessions overnight and afternoon sessions in the morning, requiring adjustments for live viewing.

How to watch the World Athletics Championships live in the UK

UK viewers can enjoy comprehensive live coverage across BBC platforms. BBC One and BBC Two will broadcast key events, while the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website offer live streams, highlights, and detailed analysis. Daily highlights will also be available on BBC Red Button, BBC Three, and online, alongside live text commentary and expert reports.

Listeners can tune into BBC Radio 5 Live for live commentary, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action. This extensive coverage makes it easy for athletics enthusiasts to stay connected with the championships from start to finish.

Why the World Athletics Championships matter

The World Athletics Championships represent the pinnacle of track and field competition outside the Olympic Games. They provide a global stage where athletes test their limits and national teams showcase their strength. For Great Britain, the event is an opportunity to build on recent successes, such as the historic 10-medal haul at the 2023 World Championships and the Olympic Games, reflecting growing investment and talent development in British athletics.

Moreover, the championships offer fans a chance to witness emerging talents and established stars compete for prestigious titles and significant prize money. The $100,000 world record bonus adds an extra layer of excitement, encouraging athletes to push boundaries.

Looking ahead: The future of athletics

The 2024 World Athletics Championships also serve as a critical stepping stone towards the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Performances here will influence selections, rankings, and athlete confidence heading into the Olympics. With new talents rising and veterans striving to maintain dominance, the event promises to shape the future landscape of athletics.

For those interested in broader sports developments, Sports Scoop offers insightful coverage on related topics, such as the Ryder Cup 2024 latest updates and key insights, providing a well-rounded view of the sporting world.

Conclusion: What to expect from Tokyo 2024

The World Athletics Championships in Tokyo are set to deliver unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and inspiring stories of resilience and excellence. Whether you are a fan of sprinting, distance running, or field events, this championship offers something for everyone. With strong British representation and a host of global stars, the event promises to be a highlight of the sporting calendar.

Make sure to tune in through the BBC’s extensive coverage and follow the latest updates on platforms like Sports Scoop to stay informed about all the key developments and results.