From 13–21 September 2025, the World Athletics Championships return to Tokyo the same city that hosted the 2020 Olympics just four years ago. For UK fans, this global spectacle of speed, strength, and stamina offers more than just nine days of world-class competition. It’s a chance to see Team GB’s finest take on the world’s best in a stadium still rich with Olympic history.
With British athletics in the midst of a generational shift, Tokyo 2025 may define the next era. In this article, we’ll break down what to expect from Team GB, who’s worth watching, how to follow the action from the UK, and what this event means for the future of British track and field.
A Quick Look: What Is the World Athletics Championships?
Organised by World Athletics, this biennial event brings together over 2,000 elite athletes from more than 200 countries. It’s the highest-profile competition outside of the Olympics, showcasing 49 events across track, field, and road disciplines from 100-metre sprints and pole vaults to marathons and race walks.
This year marks the 20th edition of the Championships and a return to Tokyo for the first time since 1991. With the National Stadium now upgraded for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, fans can expect a fast, technically world-class venue, primed for records and unforgettable finishes.
Why This Year Matters for the UK
The British Athletics squad comes to Tokyo at a crucial moment. Following solid performances at the 2023 Budapest Worlds and the 2024 Paris Olympics, 2025 offers:
- Redemption for near-misses
- Breakthrough chances for rising stars
- A major stepping stone ahead of the 2026 European Championships and LA 2028 Olympics
For UK fans, it’s also a test of how well British athletes are coping with increasing global competition from the USA, East Africa, Jamaica, and the resurgent Asian sprint scene.
Ones to Watch: Team GB Stars to Follow in Tokyo
Keely Hodgkinson – 800m
Still just 23 in 2025, Hodgkinson has become Britain’s most consistent middle-distance performer. Silver in Tokyo 2020, gold at the 2023 World Championships, and another strong showing in Paris – she enters 2025 as a firm gold medal favourite.
Zharnel Hughes – 100m & 200m
Now a veteran sprinter, Hughes remains a genuine medal threat in both sprints. Having broken Linford Christie’s British 100m record in 2023 and made the Olympic final in 2024, he’ll aim to cement his legacy with a podium finish.
Jemma Reekie – 1500m
With Laura Muir retiring after 2024, Reekie has stepped into the spotlight. She’s in excellent form after strong Diamond League results and will look to challenge the East African elites.
Josh Kerr & Jake Wightman – 1500m
This Scottish duo are Britain’s best middle-distance hopes. Kerr won World gold in 2023, Wightman in 2022. If both are fit, we could see another thrilling showdown or a British 1–2.
Molly Caudery – Pole Vault
Caudery shocked many by breaking the UK record in 2024 and finishing in the top 5 at the Paris Olympics. A clean technical vaulter with huge upside, Tokyo could be her breakthrough podium.
Dina Asher-Smith & Daryll Neita – Sprints
The women’s sprints are tighter than ever. Asher-Smith has the experience and legacy; Neita has the current momentum. Expect both to challenge for 200m final spots and relay medals.
Men’s & Women’s 4x100m Relays
Team GB has a proud relay history Tokyo 2020 saw near gold, and Birmingham 2022 delivered silverware. With new talent like Jeremiah Azu and Amy Hunt rising, a relay medal is very much on the cards.
Medal Predictions for Team GB
| Event | Athlete(s) | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s 800m | Keely Hodgkinson | Gold contender |
| Men’s 1500m | Kerr & Wightman | Medal chance |
| Women’s 200m | Dina Asher-Smith / Neita | Finalist |
| Women’s Pole Vault | Molly Caudery | Outside medal |
| Men’s 4x100m Relay | GB Team | Medal chance |
| Women’s 4x100m | GB Team | Medal chance |
Total medal expectations: 4–6 depending on form, fitness, and the competition.
How to Watch in the UK
TV Coverage
- BBC Sport will broadcast the event live on BBC One, BBC Two, and iPlayer, with extended coverage on the red button.
- Coverage includes evening highlights and full replays for UK timezones.
Streaming
- Full streams and live event trackers will be available via the World Athletics YouTube channel.
- BBC iPlayer will feature live streams of all sessions.
Timings
Tokyo is 8 hours ahead of UK time. Expect morning events to air overnight and key finals to air between 11:00am – 2:00pm UK time.
Past UK Performances at the World Championships
Since the first World Championships in 1983, Great Britain & Northern Ireland has built a strong reputation. Standout past moments include:
- Mo Farah’s long-distance dominance (2013–2017)
- Jessica Ennis-Hill’s heptathlon gold in 2015
- Greg Rutherford’s iconic long jump win
- Katarina Johnson-Thompson’s heptathlon gold in 2019
- Dina Asher-Smith’s triple medal haul in 2019 (gold in the 200m)
Rising Stars and Future Prospects
Yemi Mary John – 400m
The 2022 World Junior Champion continues to grow and could make her senior breakout in Tokyo.
Abby Ives – 800m
Ives has quietly climbed the domestic ranks and has potential to join Hodgkinson as a strong 800m duo.
Charlie Dobson – 400m & Relays
With a powerful finish and speed endurance, Dobson is being groomed for the 400m squad and future individual events.
What Tokyo Means for British Athletics
1. Momentum Builder for Paris and LA
Tokyo serves as a testing ground ahead of LA 2028. Athletes who peak here may become dominant figures for the next three years.
2. Cultural Showcase
British athletes love Tokyo. The city’s organisation, support, and atmosphere often bring out peak performances.
3. Grassroots Inspiration
World Championships are key to inspiring the next generation. Expect increased participation in UK junior clubs, track schools, and summer camps following the event.
How You Can Get Involved
- Join a local athletics club – Almost every UK town has one, offering all levels and ages.
- Try a track session – Many leisure centres and stadiums offer open sessions.
- Volunteer – Athletics events across the UK need marshals and helpers.
- Watch with others – Share the experience by hosting watch parties or discussing performances online.
The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo will offer UK fans a full menu of unforgettable moments: bold sprints, brutal endurance battles, dramatic field events, and maybe even world records. For Team GB, it’s both a proving ground and a launching pad for golds, personal bests, and inspirational stories.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious first-timer, this is your moment to tune in, cheer on our athletes, and maybe even feel inspired to lace up your own trainers.
