Canada’s Ethan Katzberg underlined his supremacy in the hammer throw by retaining his world title with a championship record of 84.70m at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 on Tuesday.
The Olympic champion was quick to stamp authority. An opening 82.66m was immediately bettered by Germany’s Merlin Hummel (82.77m), but Katzberg responded in style with his second attempt – a booming 84.70m, the longest throw in the world for 20 years and a new North American record. All six of the 23-year-old’s throws surpassed his 2023 winning mark of 81.25m.
I can’t ask for much more. The whole field was gunning for it… I thrive on really high-level competition.
Katzberg also credited compatriot Camryn Rogers, winner of the women’s hammer, for pushing him. “Camryn put the pressure on me to perform tonight. For Canada to win the men’s and women’s titles again is amazing.”
Hummel held on for silver with 82.14m, while Hungary’s Bence Halász claimed his third straight bronze in a career-best 82.69m. Ukraine’s Mykhaylo Kokhan (82.02m PB) narrowly missed the podium in a high-quality contest where four men crossed 82 metres for the first time in history.
Tinch Steps Out of Holloway’s Shadow in Hurdles
With three-time defending champion Grant Holloway failing to reach the final, Cordell Tinch seized his moment to deliver the USA’s 13th title in the 110m hurdles. The 25-year-old world leader stormed from the blocks and was the only athlete to dip under 13 seconds, clocking 12.99 (-0.3).
I came into this season with the goal of winning the world title. Being the only one under 13 today makes me happy. I believed I was the best out there, so I didn’t feel any pressure.
Tinch’s breakthrough crowns a season that already included five Diamond League victories. Reflecting on his journey, he added: “If I hadn’t stepped away from the track for a couple of years, I wouldn’t be a world champion now. Everything I learned away from the sport made me the man I am.”
Behind him, Jamaicans Orlando Bennett (13.08 PB) and Tyler Mason (13.12 PB) secured silver and bronze, marking career-defining moments. Japan’s Rachid Muratake thrilled home fans in fifth, while Switzerland’s Jason Joseph saw his medal hopes vanish after crashing into the first hurdle.
Kipyegon Cements Middle-Distance Legacy
Faith Kipyegon once again turned a 1500m final into a masterclass rather than a contest, winning her fourth world title in 3:52.15, the second-fastest victory ever at the championships.
Kenya’s triple Olympic champion and world record holder was untouchable, finishing almost three seconds clear of teammate Dorcus Ewoi (3:54.92 PB). Australia’s Jess Hull (3:55.16) edged Kenya’s Nelly Chepchirchir (3:55.25 PB) for bronze.
“After setting the world record in Eugene, I said to myself I have to go to Tokyo and defend my title. This sport drives me, and being back here winning again means I can show a new gold medal to my daughter,” Kipyegon said.
The 30-year-old now joins Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as one of only two women to win four world titles in the same track event. Her focus now shifts to the 5000m, where another gold beckons.
