Action-packed performances marked the opening of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25, with multiple athletes standing out with their exceptional displays. The first day witnessed thrilling contests, featuring returning champions and new titleholders alike, each eager to etch their names into the record books. After swift races and impressive jumps, the event commenced with the men’s 60m race.
Britain's Jeremiah Azu stormed to gold in the men's 60m, echoing his recent triumph at the European Indoor Championships just two weeks prior. Azu crossed the finish line with a remarkable time of 6.49 seconds, mirroring his winning time from the earlier competition. Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy claimed silver, clocking in at 6.50 seconds, while South Africa's Akani Simbine rounded up the podium with bronze, finishing in 6.54 seconds. The results were as follows:
- 1. Jeremiah Azu (GBR) – 6.49 seconds
- 2. Lachlan Kennedy (AUS) – 6.50 seconds
- 3. Akani Simbine (RSA) – 6.54 seconds
Following the men’s sprint, the pentathlon brought further excitement, where Finland’s Saga Vanninen continued her impressive run. She successfully secured the pentathlon gold, becoming the first Finnish woman to earn a senior global combined events title. Vanninen accumulated a total of 4821 points, finishing ahead of Ireland’s Kate O'Connor, who took silver with 4742 points, and USA’s Taliyah Brooks, who clinched bronze with a personal best of 4669 points. The final results were:
- 1. Saga Vanninen (FIN) – 4821 points
- 2. Kate O'Connor (IRL) – 4742 points
- 3. Taliyah Brooks (USA) – 4669 points
In the shot put, Canadian Sarah Mitton retained her indoor title with a throw of 20.48 meters. Mitton showcased her strength throughout the final, leading with her second-round throw of 20.36 meters. With her final effort, she improved to 20.48 meters, ensuring her place at the top of the podium. The medals were distributed as follows:
- 1. Sarah Mitton (CAN) – 20.48 meters
- 2. Jessica Schilder (NED) – 20.07 meters
- 3. Chase Jackson (USA) – 20.06 meters
Not far behind in the competition was the triple jump, where Italy's Andy Diaz Hernandez displayed an extraordinary leap of 17.80 meters, securing his first global title while also breaking his own outright Italian record. Just two weeks earlier, Diaz seized European indoor gold, making this victory exceptionally sweet. He triumphed over China’s Zhu Yaming, who managed 17.33 meters for silver, and Burkina Faso’s Hugues Fabrice Zango, who won bronze with a jump of 17.15 meters. The results were:
- 1. Andy Diaz Hernandez (ITA) – 17.80 meters
- 2. Zhu Yaming (CHN) – 17.33 meters
- 3. Hugues Fabrice Zango (BUR) – 17.15 meters
The high jump event crowned another champion as South Korea’s Woo Sanghyeok reclaimed his world indoor high jump title. Woo soared to a height of 2.31 meters, clearing the bar on his first attempt—a testament to his impressive form. New Zealand's Hamish Kerr earned silver, finishing at 2.28 meters, which he secured on countback, edging out Jamaica's Raymond Richards, who also cleared 2.28 meters but had a lesser attempt quality.
The outcomes from the high jump final were:
- 1. Woo Sanghyeok (KOR) – 2.31 meters
- 2. Hamish Kerr (NZL) – 2.28 meters
- 3. Raymond Richards (JAM) – 2.28 meters
The World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25 showcased not only exciting performances but also marked an impressive start for several athletes. As the event progresses, anticipation builds for more thrilling competitions and the potential for further record-breaking feats. Upcoming days promise to be packed with high-stakes athletics, making this championship a pivotal moment for many competitors.
