How Can You Catch the World Athletics Championships on BBC?

Mary Moraa's stunning victory over Keely Hodgkinson in the 800m final at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest has made headlines, showcasing her extraordinary talent and endurance. This article delves into the results of the championships, highlights key performances, and previews the upcoming 20th World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Last updated: 22 October 2023 (BST)

Summary of the 2023 World Championships in Budapest

The 2023 World Athletics Championships held in Budapest saw Great Britain and Northern Ireland achieve remarkable success, equalling their best-ever medal tally with ten medals, including two golds, three silvers, and five bronzes. The championships were marked by standout performances, particularly in middle-distance events, and set the stage for an exciting upcoming competition in Tokyo.

Key Takeaways

Mary Moraa triumphed over Keely Hodgkinson to win gold in the 800m.
Great Britain matched their best medal haul with ten medals.
Upcoming World Championships in Tokyo will feature defending champions and new contenders.
Prominent athletes like Armand Duplantis and Noah Lyles are set to compete.
Extensive live coverage will be available across BBC platforms.

Mary Moraa's Historic Win

Mary Moraa's victory in the 800m final was a highlight of the championships. The young Kenyan athlete outpaced the defending champion Keely Hodgkinson, delivering a performance that established her as a force in middle-distance running. Moraa's time of 1:56.03 was not just a personal best but also a statement of intent as she embarks on her career.

Impact of Moraa's Win

This victory holds significant implications for the future of women's middle-distance events. Moraa's success adds to the growing legacy of Kenyan athletes in track and field, particularly in events beyond the traditional long-distance races. Her achievement is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes in Kenya and around the globe.

Great Britain's Achievements

Great Britain's performance at the 2023 World Championships marked a notable milestone. With a total of ten medals, the team equalled its best performance ever at these championships. The haul included:

Two gold medals from Katarina Johnson-Thompson in the heptathlon and Josh Kerr in the 1500m.
Three silver medals across various events.
Five bronze medals, showcasing depth in talent.

These achievements highlight the strength and potential of British athletics, setting a positive tone as they head into the 2024 Olympics and the upcoming championships.

Defending Champions and New Hopefuls

As the focus shifts to the World Championships in Tokyo, attention will be on the defending champions. Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Josh Kerr will aim to defend their titles against fierce competition. Keely Hodgkinson, having secured silver in Budapest, will be determined to convert that into gold this time around. Additionally, Matthew Hudson-Smith will look to improve on his previous performance in the 400m.

Upcoming World Championships in Tokyo

The 20th World Athletics Championships will take place from 13-21 September 2024 at the Japan National Stadium, with a capacity of 67,750 spectators. This event presents a unique opportunity for athletes to compete on a global stage, and there will be 49 gold medals up for grabs across nine days of competition.

What to Expect

Fans can look forward to exciting events, including:

Men's and women's marathon
Men's and women's sprint events
Various field events, including javelin and pole vault
Team relays, adding an element of strategy and teamwork

Coverage will be extensive, with live broadcasts on BBC One and BBC Two, along with online streaming options on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. Daily highlights and commentary will ensure fans do not miss any action.

Famous Athletes to Watch

Several top athletes are set to compete in Tokyo, adding to the excitement of the championships. Notable names include:

Armand Duplantis: The pole vault world record holder aims to defend his title.
Noah Lyles: The reigning world and Olympic 100m champion will be a contender in both the 100m and 200m events.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: The five-time world champion in the 100m is expected to retire after these championships.

These athletes are expected to deliver thrilling performances, further elevating the profile of the championships.

Competition Schedule Overview

The competition schedule for the World Championships in Tokyo is packed with exciting events each day. Here’s a brief overview of key events during the championships:

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Saturday, 13 September

Men's and women's 45km walks
Men's shot put
Women's 10,000m
Mixed 4x400m relay

Sunday, 14 September

Women's marathon
Women's discus
Women's long jump
Men's 10,000m
Women's and men's 100m

Monday, 15 September

Men's marathon
Men's pole vault
Women's hammer
Men's 3,000m steeplechase
Women's 100m hurdles

This pattern continues throughout the week, featuring a mix of track and field events that will captivate audiences worldwide.

How to Watch the Championships

Fans eager to catch all the action can tune in to BBC One and BBC Two for live broadcasts. Coverage will also be available on BBC iPlayer, ensuring that viewers can watch events on the go. Additionally, daily highlights will be broadcast on various BBC platforms, including BBC Three and the BBC Red Button service.

Conclusion

The 2023 World Championships in Budapest showcased incredible talent and set the stage for an even more thrilling event in Tokyo. With athletes like Mary Moraa and Keely Hodgkinson aiming for gold, the upcoming championships promise to be a showcase of skill, determination, and sportsmanship. As the world turns its eyes to Tokyo, the excitement builds for what is sure to be an unforgettable competition.

What future records might be broken in Tokyo, and how will the next generation of athletes rise to the challenge? #AthleticsChampionships #MaryMoraa #Tokyo2024

FAQs

When will the 2024 World Athletics Championships take place?

The 2024 World Athletics Championships will be held from 13 to 21 September in Tokyo, Japan.

How can I watch the championships live?

The championships will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC Two, with additional coverage available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Who are the defending champions in the 800m?

Keely Hodgkinson is the defending champion in the women's 800m, having won gold at the 2022 World Championships.

What are the key events to look out for in Tokyo?

Expect thrilling competitions in the men's and women's marathons, sprints, and various field events, including javelin and pole vault.

Which athletes should I watch in the upcoming championships?

Look out for stars like Armand Duplantis, Noah Lyles, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, among others, who are expected to compete at a high level.