As the Paris Olympics recede and the excitement of Tokyo approaches, Cathal Dennehy examines the key developments to watch for in the upcoming year.

1 Ensuring a Successful Comeback for Yulimar Rojas

The world of athletics missed the brilliance of Yulimar Rojas last year, as the Venezuelan triple jump champion faced a significant setback with an Achilles tendon injury, leading to surgery that sidelined her from the Olympics. After a thorough rehabilitation process spanning several months, the determined 29-year-old is focused on making her triumphant return. Her primary objective is to capture her fifth consecutive world outdoor title in Tokyo. The athletics community is eager for her recovery, as her presence elevates the sport, showcasing her extraordinary talent and inspiring countless fans.

2 Advocating for a Fair Selection of World Athletics’ Athlete of the Year

While we appreciate the democratic nature of public voting for the World Athletics’ Athlete of the Year, it often devolves into a mere popularity contest rather than a true reflection of athletic merit. Athletes like Letsile Tebogo delivered outstanding performances, yet few objective fans would argue his achievements surpass those of the remarkable Mondo Duplantis. Similarly, Sifan Hassan‘s year could not compete with Beatrice Chebet‘s accomplishments. Moving forward, we should return to a panel-based voting system, which is likely to yield more accurate and deserving outcomes.

3 Innovations Needed to Revitalize Field Events

As the professional athletics circuit evolves, field events appear to be left behind, with notable events like Grand Slam Track and Athlos NYC excluding them from their inaugural editions. Furthermore, several field disciplines have been omitted from the upcoming World Athletics Ultimate Championship. Given that athletes in field events often secure smaller contracts and receive less visibility, it is crucial to find inventive strategies to highlight their appeal outside of major competitions. This is a pivotal moment for the sports community to rally together in support of these athletes and explore new avenues for showcasing their incredible talents.

Miltos Tentoglou (Getty)

4 Engaging Field Event Athletes in Innovative Changes

The current state of field events is concerning, as athletes often react negatively to proposed changes without being consulted. To successfully implement new formats designed to captivate modern audiences, it is essential for World Athletics to involve prominent athletes, including vocal critics like Greece’s Miltiadis Tentoglou, in the conversation. Organizing dedicated conference calls for each discipline and inviting every Olympic finalist to brainstorm and contribute ideas will foster an inclusive environment. When athletes feel their opinions matter, they are more likely to support and embrace the changes that could rejuvenate their events.

5 Ryan Crouser’s Vision for the Future of Shot Put

Notably absent from the World Athletics Ultimate Championship is the shot put event, a puzzling omission considering the high caliber of recent competitions. However, Ryan Crouser is taking initiative by launching the American shot put league in 2025, aiming for its eventual integration into strongman competitions. Having established himself as a dominant force in the circle, Crouser may very well be the catalyst needed to elevate shot put back to the prominence it truly deserves within the athletics community.

6 Celebrating Tokyo’s Resilience with a Memorable World Championships

One of the most poignant images from the Tokyo Olympics was the sight of fans outside the stadium, yearning to be part of the Games their nation had invested so much to host. This year’s World Championships will be a different story, as Tokyo is poised to receive the recognition it deserves for its exceptional handling of the 2021 Olympics despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The local community and athletes alike are ready for a spectacular event that showcases the spirit of athletics and honors the hard work of everyone involved.

Sydney McLaughlin breaks the world record (Getty)

7 High-Stakes Rivalry: Femke Bol vs. Sydney McLaughlin Outside Championships

For athletics to truly flourish, it is crucial for its top athletes to face each other more frequently throughout the year. However, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol have only met three times, all during major championships. With McLaughlin-Levrone committed to the Grand Slam Track, her participation in the Diamond League this year remains uncertain. This leaves Michael Johnson’s team with the challenge of enticing Bol with a significant appearance fee to facilitate a showdown against her fiercest competitor. Fans are eager for this thrilling matchup to occur.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr (Getty)

8 Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr: The Rivalry Continues

Depending on your perspective, you may either root for or against Josh Kerr or Jakob Ingebrigtsen, but their ongoing banter has undeniably heightened the anticipation surrounding their Olympic 1500m clash. Their verbal exchanges may attract criticism, yet they also garner a growing fanbase and generate excitement for the 1500m event. As we look ahead to 2025, we encourage the duo to keep the rivalry alive with more spirited exchanges; it adds an exhilarating dimension to the sport.

9 Anticipating Impactful World Indoors in Nanjing

For many fans in Europe and the United States, the upcoming World Indoors in Nanjing, China, from March 21-23, risks going unnoticed. While diversifying the location of events is vital and China is investing significantly in hosting, the venue has been compared to a school gym, leading to concerns about its ability to deliver a memorable experience. As the event approaches, we hope the atmosphere and competition will exceed expectations and provide an engaging showcase for athletics.

10 Strengthening Anti-Doping Measures with AIU

Even the most skeptical fans of athletics can acknowledge the substantial progress made in combating doping in recent years. A significant factor in this advancement is the Athletics Integrity Unit’s unwavering commitment to intelligence-led policies. With unprecedented levels of testing conducted before the 2024 Olympics, the fight against doping has become increasingly formidable. While some athletes may still evade detection, the landscape has undoubtedly changed, making it more challenging to cheat. Our hope is that this positive trajectory continues, fostering a cleaner sport.

11 Inaugural European Running Championships to Capture Attention

Launching its inaugural event in Leuven, Belgium, from April 12-13, the European Running Championships will feature competitions in the 10km, half marathon, and marathon distances. This exciting initiative invites thousands of runners to join elite athletes on the streets, presenting a promising opportunity for community engagement. The event’s success will likely depend on the participation of renowned athletes and how well they can draw attention to this new championship.

12 Jakob Ingebrigtsen: The Next Record-Breaker?

Having successfully shattered the once-thought-untouchable 3000m world record, Jakob Ingebrigtsen now seems poised to target other records in 2025, including the 1500m, mile, 5000m, and 10,000m. While he may not pursue all these records in the same year, we can expect him to focus on a few key events. Given his track record, there’s a strong possibility that he will achieve new milestones and further solidify his place in athletics history.

Athing Mu wins (Getty)

13 Anticipating a Thrilling 800m Showdown: Hodgkinson vs. Mu vs. Moraa

In 2021 and 2022, the spotlight was on Athing Mu, while 2023 saw Mary Moraa take center stage. Last year, Keely Hodgkinson emerged as the dominant force in the 800m. A major highlight for 2025 would be having all three global champions compete in Tokyo, fully healthy and ready to race. If they all line up together, it promises to be one of the most exciting races of the year, captivating fans and showcasing the immense talent in women’s middle-distance running.

14 Epic Showdown in the Men’s 400m Hurdles

Similarly, the men’s 400m hurdles could witness an electrifying battle if the past three global champions—Karsten Warholm, Alison Dos Santos, and Grant Holloway—arrive at the World Championships in peak form. This trio has often faced challenges in delivering their best performances at major championships. However, four years after the historic 46-second barrier was first broken in Tokyo, the potential for another record-breaking performance hangs in the air.

15 Grand Slam Track: Aiming for Success in the US Market

Seb Coe has expressed that he has never regarded competition as a threat and has wished Michael Johnson success with the new professional league, which directly rivals the Diamond League. The inaugural year will concentrate on making significant inroads into the US market. With substantial investment, star athletes, and effective promotion, the league’s success is vital. If attendance and viewership do not meet expectations, it could severely impact the future of athletics in the United States, a key market for the sport.

Usain Bolt (Mark Shearman)

16 Encouraging Journalists to Avoid Comparisons with Bolt’s Records

While it’s understandable that journalists seek compelling quotes and story angles, it’s essential to recognize the reality of the current sprinting landscape. Athletes like Noah Lyles—or any top-level sprinter—are unlikely to approach Usain Bolt’s iconic 9.58-second mark anytime soon. Bolt’s 100m world record has remained unchallenged for over 15 years for a reason. It’s crucial to avoid placing undue pressure on athletes by framing conversations around the possibility of breaking this record, as it creates unrealistic expectations and distracts from their current achievements.

17 SPRINT Season 3: A Deeper Dive into Athletes’ Journeys

If a third season of SPRINT is produced, we hope it delves deeper into the lives of the world’s fastest athletes. While the series has done an excellent job capturing the excitement of events, it has only scratched the surface of their journeys. Fans crave insights into their training regimens, backgrounds, and the myriad challenges they have overcome to reach the pinnacle of their sport. These compelling stories are what truly resonate with audiences and foster a deeper connection to athletics.

18 Restoring Meaning to Road Race Times

Since the introduction of super shoes, there has been a noticeable shift in how fans perceive world records, especially in road racing. Many spectators now lack the enthusiasm they once had for extraordinary performances, struggling to appreciate a woman completing a half marathon in 62 minutes or a marathon in 2:09. Records were once revered for their scarcity, but that perception is fading. As we approach 2025, it is crucial for the athletics community to restore context and significance to these remarkable achievements.

19 Elevating the Diamond League Final with Star Power

This year marks a shift, with the Diamond League final occurring before the major championships. While this change has its advantages, it also poses a risk of diminished star power compared to its traditional post-championships schedule. Scheduled for Zurich on the last weekend of August, just weeks before the World Championships, there is a possibility that top athletes might prioritize training camps over participation. This could lead to a less thrilling final lacking the anticipated star-studded performances.

20 Prioritizing Safety and Safeguarding in Athletics

A positive development observed during the World Under-20 Championships in Lima was World Athletics’ commitment to safeguarding young athletes, which includes raising awareness, enhancing protections, and educating athletes on how to report concerns. The sport has faced numerous challenges related to the safety of its participants, from bullying administrators to predatory coaches. It is imperative to continue this initiative to ensure a safer environment for all athletes, particularly the youth.

Letsile Tebogo (Getty)

21 Letsile Tebogo: Potential to Conquer the 400m

Although the exceptionally talented Letsile Tebogo has already claimed Olympic gold in the 200m and is a strong contender for the 100m, it would be fascinating to see him explore the 400m. He showcased his potential with an impressive 43.04-second split during the Olympic men’s 4x400m final. Currently, his personal best stands at 44.29 seconds, and at just 21 years old, he is only beginning to tap into his vast potential. There is speculation that he could eventually become the first athlete to break the 42-second barrier, but this will require a commitment to the event. Perhaps 2025 will see him testing those waters further.

22 Jamaican Sprint Legends Ready for a Comeback

Seeing only one Jamaican athlete, Tia Clayton, in the women’s 100m final in Paris was disheartening, especially with no representation in the 200m final. Sprinting legends like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (38), Elaine Thompson-Herah (32), and Shericka Jackson (30) may be nearing the end of their careers, but their involvement in competitions adds an exciting element to the sport. It is crucial for these sprinters to bounce back and reclaim their places on the podium, as their presence elevates the overall quality and excitement of athletics.

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