The 2023 edition of World Athletics Championship saw triumphant resurgences and unfortunate setbacks, but it was a thrilling competition nevertheless. Katarina Johnson-Thompson, who had just returned from a long injury layoff, pulled off a remarkable double by defending her title in the 800m and completing the seven discipline heptathlon to claim a second gold medal. It was a performance to behold, with every element of the sport displayed at its very best.
Sprints: From the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it 100m to the lung-busting 400m, these events display athletes’ raw speed and explosive power on the track. Throws: Precision, strength and accuracy are required in disciplines such as the javelin and discus. Relays: Teamwork comes into its own in the 4x100m and 4x400m, with synchronised transfer of the baton often key to success.
Middle and long distances: The 800m, 1500m, 5000m and 10,000m test an athlete’s ability to maintain a consistent pace over multiple laps. Jumps: The high jump, triple jump and pole vault showcase athletes’ ability to propel themselves through the air, as well as their acrobatic abilities in the pit.
Combined events: True tests of all-round athletic prowess, the men’s decathlon and women’s heptathlon see athletes compete in 10 and seven events respectively over two days. It takes an incredible blend of strength, agility and endurance to achieve such a feat, making these elite athletes seem like nothing less than superheroes.
