Thrilling Finishes and Record Performances Close 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjin
The final day of the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, delivered fireworks from start to finish. From blistering sprint hurdles and dramatic relay finishes to historic long jump marks and tactical middle-distance races, athletes from around the world closed the three-day event with championship records, national bests, and emotional victories. With standout performances across every discipline, this final day was a fitting climax to a high-stakes indoor season.
Women's 60m Hurdles:
World indoor record holder Devynne Charlton claimed her second consecutive world indoor gold medal in the 60m hurdles, clocking 7.72 in a stacked final where the top six all ran under 7.80. Just four hundredths of a second separated them. Her younger sister, Anthaya Charlton, finished sixth in the long jump with a mark of 6.57m.
"It was a big deal for me to come here and defend my title," said Devynne. "It wasn’t looking great, but I trusted the people around me. It’s super hard to defend a title at this level. To come away with a win against these women is really cool."
Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, fresh off her European Indoor title, took silver in 7.73. Ackera Nugent of Jamaica claimed bronze in 7.74. Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska was fourth in 7.74, tying the time of Grace Stark, who finished fifth. Nadine Visser clocked 7.76 for sixth — a time that would have won gold in 15 of the last 20 editions.
China’s Wu Yanni set a national record of 8.01 in the semis but missed the final by 0.01 seconds, ranking fourth on the Asian all-time list.
Women’s 1500m
Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia dominated the women’s 1500m, setting a championship record of 3:54.86 — the fourth-fastest time ever. She now holds the four fastest indoor times in history.
Diribe Welteji made it an Ethiopian 1–2, finishing in 3:59.30. Great Britain’s Georgia Bell Hunter took bronze in 3:59.84, adding to her Olympic and European podiums from 2024.
"That was a tough race. My training made it possible. I love the 1500m indoors," said Tsegay.
Men’s 1500m
Jakob Ingebrigtsen completed a rare double, adding 1500m gold to his 3000m title from the day before. His 3:38.79 win makes him the first man since Haile Gebrselassie in 1999 to claim both titles at one championship.
Neil Gourley of Great Britain surged late to take silver in 3:39.07. USA’s Luke Houser grabbed bronze in 3:39.17.
"I’m only focusing on myself," said Ingebrigtsen. "It’s important to use opportunities and never take them for granted."
Men’s Long Jump
Italy’s Mattia Furlani finally claimed his first global gold with an 8.30m jump, adding to a string of silvers and bronzes from past championships.
Wayne Pinnock (8.29m) repeated his silver-medal performances from the 2023 Worlds and 2024 Olympics. Australia’s Liam Adcock leaped 8.28m for bronze in his indoor debut.
Women’s High Jump
Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers defended her title with a 1.97m clearance, edging out teammate Eleanor Patterson on countback.
Yaroslava Mahuchik took bronze with 1.95m, completing a world indoor medal set despite dealing with ankle issues.
"I changed my run-up today," said Olyslagers. "I needed to do something outside my comfort zone."
Men’s Heptathlon
Norway’s Sander Skotheim won gold with 6475 points, following his European title and record earlier this month.
Estonia’s Johannes Erm set a national record with 6437 for silver, while Germany’s Till Steinforth secured bronze with 6275.
"It’s been a very good month. Now I’m ready to rest and prepare for the decathlon," Skotheim said.
Men’s Shot Put
New Zealand’s Tom Walsh claimed his third world indoor title with a 21.65m throw in the first round. USA’s Roger Steen earned silver with 21.62m, and Adrian Piperi took bronze in 21.48m.
"Coming back from injury, having a daughter… it’s been a big year," said Walsh. "It feels awesome to be back on top."
Women’s Long Jump
Claire Bryant of the USA shocked the field, jumping a personal best of 6.96m in the fifth round to win gold in her first major international appearance.
Switzerland’s Annik Kälin won silver with 6.83m, and Spain’s Fátima Diame repeated as bronze medallist with 6.72m.
"If you told me I'd win, I’d have thanked you for the belief," said Bryant. "Seven metres is coming."
Men’s 800m
USA’s Josh Hoey captured his first global title in a dramatic finish, holding off Belgium’s Eliott Crestan to win in 1:44.77.
Spain’s Elvin Canales took bronze in 1:45.03.
"This means everything. I take nothing for granted," said Hoey.
Women’s 800m
South Africa’s Prudence Sekgodiso stormed to gold in a world-leading 1:58.40, followed by Ethiopia’s Nigist Getachew (1:59.63) and Portugal’s Patrícia Silva, who set a national record of 1:59.80.
"It’s a surprise, but I believed I could do it," said Sekgodiso.
Men’s 4x400m Relay
The USA team of Chris Bailey, Brian Faust, Jacory Patterson, and Elija Godwin lived up to expectations, winning gold in 3:03.13 — the nation’s 11th title in this event since 1993.
Jamaica claimed silver in 3:05.05, and Hungary earned bronze with a national record of 3:06.03.
Women’s 4x400m Relay
The USA capped the championships with gold in the women’s 4x400m, running 3:27.45. Alexis Holmes anchored the win with a 51.47 split.
Poland finished second in 3:32.05, and Australia took bronze in 3:32.65 — their first women’s 4x400 podium since 1999.
"We always come together and aim to win," said Holmes.
