With just 100 days left until the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, excitement is building in Japan and across the global sports community. On Thursday, local organizers in Tokyo marked this key milestone with the grand reveal of the official medal design for the upcoming championships, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated athletics events of the year.
The ceremony, held in the heart of Tokyo, not only unveiled the striking new medals but also served as a rallying point for national pride and international unity. It underscored Japan’s commitment to delivering a world-class event while celebrating the determination and spirit of athletes preparing to compete on the global stage.
A Symbol of Excellence and Determination
Speaking at the launch event, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike expressed her pride in hosting such a prestigious international competition and urged fans to fill the stands at the Japan National Stadium to create an electric atmosphere that will inspire the athletes.
“The medal is more than just a prize—it’s a symbol of the countless hours of training, the dreams, and the perseverance of each athlete,” Governor Koike said. “Let’s come together to support them with our loudest cheers. The energy of the crowd can help elevate performance and create unforgettable moments.”
The design of the medals, which features a fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern design elements, reflects the host country’s deep-rooted culture and its forward-thinking vision. It incorporates motifs inspired by origami and the circular harmony of the Japanese flag, paying tribute to both heritage and progress.
Third Time Hosting, Bigger Than Ever
This will be the third time Japan hosts the World Athletics Championships, following Tokyo in 1991 and Osaka in 2007. However, Tokyo 2025 is expected to be the largest and most technologically advanced edition yet. The event, scheduled for September 13–21, will be held at the renovated Japan National Stadium, the same venue that hosted the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The stadium, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a capacity of over 60,000, is expected to welcome tens of thousands of fans from around the world, while millions more will follow the action through global broadcasts and online platforms.
According to the Local Organizing Committee, preparations are ahead of schedule, with final touches being made to logistics, security, transportation, and entertainment programming to ensure a seamless and celebratory experience for athletes and spectators alike.
Global Anticipation and World-Class Talent
The World Athletics Championships represent the pinnacle of global track and field competition, bringing together elite athletes from over 200 countries. Tokyo 25 will be the 20th edition of the championships, and expectations are high for record-breaking performances, intense rivalries, and emotional triumphs.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, in a video message, praised Tokyo for its legacy of excellence in sports organization and expressed confidence that the 2025 edition would raise the bar yet again.
“Tokyo has always been a city that delivers, and with 100 days to go, the excitement is palpable,” Coe said. “This is where history will be written, and dreams will come true. I encourage fans across the world to be part of this incredible journey.”
The championships will feature iconic events such as the 100m sprint, marathon, pole vault, heptathlon, and more. Stars from recent Olympic and World Championship competitions are expected to return, with eyes already on rising talents from Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Legacy Beyond the Track
While the focus will undoubtedly be on the sporting action, Tokyo 25 is also being positioned as a catalyst for long-term community impact and sustainability. Organizers have pledged to make this the greenest athletics championship yet, incorporating renewable energy sources, eco-friendly materials, and waste-reduction strategies across the entire event footprint.
Volunteer programs, youth engagement campaigns, and accessibility initiatives are also underway to ensure inclusivity and community participation. Special efforts are being made to include local schools and athletes from across Japan in cultural exchanges and events that will coincide with the Championships.
“We want this to be more than a sporting event. It’s about unity, inspiration, and legacy,” said a spokesperson for the Tokyo 25 organizing committee. “Every child who watches from the stands or their living room should feel like they, too, can be a champion.”
A Global Stage for Peace and Progress
In the current global climate, Tokyo 2025 is seen as a beacon of resilience and global solidarity. As the world continues to recover from the disruptions of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, international sporting events like the World Athletics Championships serve to bring nations together in peaceful competition.
UNESCO’s Japan representative Yukari Ito highlighted this sentiment during Thursday’s ceremony:
“Sport is a language we all understand. It bridges cultures, unites communities, and inspires hope. Tokyo 25 will be a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.”
Final Countdown Begins
With the final countdown now officially underway, attention turns to national athletics federations, training camps, and the personal journeys of the athletes themselves. Stories of triumph over adversity, dreams of Olympic qualification, and the pursuit of world records will dominate headlines in the coming weeks.
Fans and tourists are being encouraged to book their tickets early and plan their trips, as demand is expected to surge. The official Tokyo 25 website has launched a multilingual platform offering ticketing details, travel guides, and event schedules to assist international visitors.
As the sun sets over Tokyo with 100 days to go, anticipation for the World Athletics Championships 2025 grows ever stronger. Whether you’re a die-hard athletics fan, a supporter of your national team, or simply someone who believes in the power of human achievement, Tokyo promises a spectacle like no other.
