Athletics

World Athletics Championships 2023 preview – who will shine at the biggest stage?

August 17, 2023 9:08 pm
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The World Athletics Championships are set to take center stage in 2023. With such a wide array of talent on display, it promises to be an exhilarating spectacle for track and field enthusiasts worldwide.

The World Athletics Championships promises nine days of intense competition, showcasing the world’s top athletes in track and field. So, let’s take a closer look at this event and what we can expect to see.

World Athletics Championship preview for each day

With a mixture of established stars and emerging talents, the 2023 edition of the championships is poised to be a memorable event and we are looing forward to each day with anticipation. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of what to expect each day of the championships:

Day 1 | Sat., Aug. 19: Ryan Crouser’s shot at history

Ryan Crouser is on the brink of history in the shot put event. Undefeated this season, Crouser has registered the world’s top eight throws of 2023 and shattered his world record by over seven inches. However, he has not achieved the 23.77-meter mark, a target on his mind for the past two years.

Other finals to look forward to on Day 1 include the women’s 10,000m, mixed 4x400m relay, and men’s 20km race walk.

Day 2 | Sun., Aug. 20: Fastest man and best female athlete to be crowned

The men’s 100m promises to be an open contest this year. Fred Kerley, the defending champion from the U.S., will face stiff competition from Britain’s Zharnel Hughes, who is the world’s fastest man this year, albeit by just one-hundredth of a second over Kenyan Ferdinand Omanyala. World 200m champion Noah Lyles will also be vying for the gold after securing a spot on the team at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships.

Anna Hall is the favorite to win in the heptathlon, especially after Olympic and world champion Nafi Thiam of Belgium withdrew due to an Achilles injury.

Day 3 | Mon., Aug. 21: U.S.-Jamaica clashes in sprints

The women’s 100m is arguably the most anticipated race of the meet. Shericka Jackson, the world’s fastest woman this year, will face off against American Sha’Carri Richardson, who has two victories over Jackson this season. Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a five-time world champion, will also be in contention despite a slow start to the season due to a reported knee injury.

The men’s 110m hurdles are expected to be a U.S.-Jamaica battle. American Grant Holloway is aiming for his third consecutive world title in this event, but Jamaican Rasheed Broadbell, the world’s fastest this year, will certainly provide tough competition.

Day 4 | Tue., Aug. 22: Can Faith Kipyegon make history?

Faith Kipyegon, who has broken world records in the 1500m, mile, and 5000m this season, aims to become the first woman to win the 1500m and 5000m at a single world championship. She will begin her bid with the final of the 1500m. American Valarie Allman will seek the only major title missing from her collection in the discus.

Day 5 | Wed., Aug. 23: Rivalry night

The middle day of the championships promises some of the most exciting matchups. The men’s 400m hurdles final could feature the three fastest men in history: Karsten Warholm of Norway, Rai Benjamin of the U.S., and Alison dos Santos of Brazil.

Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen is the favorite in the men’s 1500m, where American Yared Nuguse could win the first U.S. medal in a decade.

American Katie Moon will try to defend her world title in the pole vault, while countrywoman Sandi Morris seeks her first gold medal after winning four silver medals in the past.

In the women’s 400m, Olympic gold medalist Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas returns to face her longtime rivals Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain and Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic.

Day 6 | Thu., Aug. 24: Golden Americans return

The U.S. has strong contenders in three events, with finals on Day 6. Both former world champions, Brooke Andersen and DeAnna Price, will compete in the hammer throw. Nia Ali will compete in the 100m hurdles, and Dalilah Muhammad will compete in the 400m hurdles.

Other finals on Day 6 include the men’s 400m, men’s long jump, women’s 35km race walk, and men’s 35km race walk.

Day 7 | Fri., Aug. 25: 200m World records under threat

The 200m finals will feature some of the fastest runners in history. Defending champion Shericka Jackson, who ran the second-fastest time ever in the women’s 200m final last year, will compete alongside American Gabby Thomas, the fourth-fastest woman in history. In the men’s 200m final, defending champion Noah Lyles is undefeated this season and aims for Usain Bolt’s world record.

Day 8 | Sat., Aug. 26: Unprecedented double? World record?

Faith Kipyegon will attempt to become the first woman to sweep the 1500m and 5000m at a single world championship. Swedish world record holder Mondo Duplantis aims for his third global outdoor title in the pole vault.

Other finals on Day 8 include the women’s marathon, decathlon, women’s shot put, and men’s and women’s 4x100m relays.

Day 9 | Sun., Aug. 27: Athing Mu’s moment

Athing Mu, already the youngest woman to own Olympic and world titles in an individual event, is undefeated at 800m for three years. She will face British challenger Keely Hodgkinson, who has lowered her national records this year. The men’s and women’s 4x400m relays will close the competition.

Athletes to watch at the World Athletics Championship

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American shot putter Ryan Crouser is one to watch as he looks to become the first man to win four combined Olympic and world titles in the shot put. He’s undefeated this season and holds the world record with a throw of 23.37 meters. However, Crouser has set a personal goal of 23.77 meters, a number he’s had taped to his bathroom mirror for two years.

Kenyan athlete Faith Kipyegon, who’s broken world records this season in the 1500m, mile, and 5000m, is seeking to become the first woman to win the 1500m and 5000m at a single world championship.

Underdogs to watch

Keep an eye on up-and-coming athletes like American Brooke Andersen in the hammer throw and British sprinter Zharnel Hughes in the men’s 100m. While they may not be the favorites, their impressive performances this season make them contenders to watch.

World Athletics Championship venue

The competition will occur at the newly renovated Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary. The venue, which has a seating capacity of 68,000, is expected to provide an electric atmosphere for athletes and spectators.

The weather in Budapest during August is typically warm and sunny, with average highs around 27°C (81°F). Athletes must adjust to the heat, which could add a layer of challenge to the competition.

Final thoughts

With an incredible lineup of talented athletes, exciting matchups, and a world-class venue, the 2023 World Athletics Championships promise to be unforgettable.

Whether you’re a seasoned athletics fan or new to the sport, this competition will surely deliver thrilling moments and outstanding performances.

Stay tuned for our daily event coverage, including highlights, interviews, and in-depth analysis of each day’s competition.

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About the author

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Andrew

Andrew Shassetz is a seasoned freelance writer who combines his academic background from the University of Alaska, where he studied Journalism, with a genuine love for horse racing. Following a significant life-changing accident, Andrew courageously shifted his career path from mainstream journalism to full-time freelancing.

Today, he passionately delves into the thrilling world of horse racing and sports. He delivers compelling, insightful commentaries that resonate with readers worldwide, redefining sports journalism with his unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise.