Tokyo Athletics: New Stars Rise, Bolt Witnesses History

Christian

The Tokyo World Athletics Championships continue to deliver an exciting night. Usain Bolt appeared at the National Stadium wearing a “Legends Never Fade” cap, watching the new generation of athletes shine.

Italy’s 20-year-old “Spider-Man” Furllani jumped 8.39 meters to set a personal best, becoming the youngest men’s long jump world champion in history. Tearfully, he thanked his mother and coach and dedicated the victory to his pregnant sister.

Australian 17-year-old prodigy Got Got ran 20.23 seconds to advance to the men’s 200m semifinals. Competing in his first senior world championship, he said it was “the happiest moment of the year.”

Kenya’s Cherotich broke the meet record in the women’s 3000m steeplechase with a time of 8:51.59 to win gold. Katie Moon won her third women’s pole vault world title with a clearance of 4.90 meters. Portugal’s Nader snatched the men’s 1500m title in the final moments, overtaking Britain’s Whiteman in a surprise finish.

After the races, Ivory Coast star Ta Lou-Smith vowed to achieve redemption in the 200m, while India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra easily qualified with a first throw of 84.85m. American Bednarek described the 200m as a “tough battle.”

During the event, 3,300 athletes and staff consumed a total of 490,000 bottles of drinks and used 92,000 kilograms of ice to cope with the heat. The marathon and race walks were moved up by half an hour to reduce the risk of heatstroke.

Tomorrow’s highlights include the men’s javelin final, men’s 200m semifinals, women’s 200m semifinals, women’s triple jump final, men’s 400m final, and the climactic women’s 400m final, with McLaughlin-Levrone going for gold.