Men’s Event-by-Event Preview: 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing

The 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships are set to take place from March 21-23 in Nanjing, China, bringing together the best indoor track and field athletes from around the world. With multiple Olympic and world champions in the mix, this highly anticipated competition promises thrilling showdowns across all events. From explosive sprints to intense middle-distance battles, record-breaking jumps to powerful throws, the championships will showcase the best in men’s athletics. Here is an event-by-event breakdown of the top contenders and key storylines heading into the weekend.

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60 Metres

The men’s 60 metres is shaping up to be an open contest with several top sprinters in contention. Ronnie Baker (USA), who has a personal best of 6.40 seconds and won gold in the 2018 World Indoors, will look to reclaim his dominance. Jeremiah Azu (GBR), the European indoor champion with a PB of 6.49, remains undefeated this season and could be a serious threat. Other top contenders include Akani Simbine (RSA), making his World Indoor debut, and Sweden’s Henrik Larsson, fresh off a national record of 6.52. Jamaica’s Rohan Watson and Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy also add depth to the field. Notably, none of the finalists from the 2024 edition are returning this year.

400 Metres

Chris Bailey (USA) leads the charge with a world-leading time of 44.70, backed by his Olympic relay gold and US indoor title. He will be challenged by Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nethaniel, who made history as the first African athlete to break 45 seconds indoors (44.74). Canada’s Christopher Morales-Williams, the fastest man in indoor history (44.49), adds further intrigue. European champion Attila Molnar (HUN) and Rusheen McDonald (JAM), a 2024 world indoor bronze medallist, also bolster the field.

800 Metres

Josh Hoey (USA) has had a breakout season, setting a North American 1000m record (2:14.48) and clocking the second-fastest indoor 800m in history (1:43.24). He will be joined by compatriot Brandon Miller (1:44.26). European indoor champion Samuel Chapple (NED) and silver medallist Elliot Crestan (BEL) are also strong contenders. Kenya’s Noah Kibet, a former world indoor silver medallist, will aim to return to the podium.

1500 Metres

Jakob Ingebrigtsen (NOR), the reigning Olympic and world 5000m champion, aims to complete a 1500m-3000m double. His challengers include two-time world indoor champion Samuel Tefera (ETH), European bronze medallist Isaac Nader (POR), and Commonwealth Games champion Oliver Hoare (AUS).

3000 Metres

Ingebrigtsen also headlines the 3000m, coming off a European indoor title and a world outdoor record (7:17.55). Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi, the Olympic 10,000m silver medallist, and rising star Biniam Mehary will provide stiff competition. Ireland’s Andrew Coscoran and Ethiopia’s Getnet Wale are also in the mix.

60 Metres Hurdles

Grant Holloway (USA) seeks his third consecutive world indoor title and remains unbeaten indoors since 2014. The world record holder (7.27) faces Poland’s Jakub Szymanski, the European champion (7.39), and fellow American Cameron Murray (7.41). France’s Wilhelm Belocian and Italy’s Lorenzo Simonelli add further depth.

Pole Vault

Armand Duplantis (SWE) looks to defend his title after breaking his world record again (6.27m). He faces Olympic medallists Sam Kendricks (USA) and Emmanouil Karalis (GRE), who both cleared 6.00m. European champion Menno Vloon (NED) and NCAA champion Sondre Guttormsen (NOR) are also in contention.

High Jump

Olympic champion Hamish Kerr (NZL) will take on former world indoor champion Sanghyeok Woo (KOR) and European champion Oleg Doroshchuk (UKR). Czechia’s Jan Stefela and Italy’s Manuel Lando are also strong contenders.

Long Jump

Reigning champion Miltiadis Tentoglou (GRE) seeks his third title but faces stiff competition from Mattia Furlani (ITA), who leads the world rankings with 8.37m. Jamaica’s Wayne Pinnock (Olympic silver) and Tajay Gayle (former world champion) also pose serious threats.

Triple Jump

Andy Diaz Hernandez (ITA) and Max Hess (GER) are set for a rematch after trading victories this season. Defending world champion Fabrice Zango (BUR) and former world indoor champion Lazaro Martinez (CUB) add to a highly competitive field.

Shot Put

Leonardo Fabbri (ITA), who has thrown a world-leading 21.95m, leads the field alongside Zane Weir (ITA). The USA’s Adrian Piperi and Roger Steen will aim to challenge, while former world champion Tom Walsh (NZL) seeks another title.

Heptathlon

European indoor champion Sander Skotheim (NOR) set a continental record of 6558 points and leads the field. Germany’s Till Steinforth and Estonia’s Johannes Erm, both European medallists, are also expected to be strong contenders.

4x400 Metres Relay

The USA has historically dominated this event, winning 10 of 13 golds between 1993 and 2016. The team includes world medallists Chris Bailey, Matthew Boling, and Jacory Patterson. Nigeria and Jamaica also bring strong squads, with Nigeria featuring African record-holder Ezekiel Nethaniel and Jamaica led by Rusheen McDonald.

With an impressive lineup of world-class athletes across all events, the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing promises to be an electrifying competition. Expect thrilling performances and potential record-breaking moments throughout the weekend.