Nanjing was abuzz with excitement on Saturday, March 22, 2025, as the World Athletics Indoor Championships unfolded at the Nanjing Sports Training Centre. Athletes from around the globe competed fiercely, but it was the distance runners and pole vaulters who captured the spotlight with their extraordinary performances.
In the men’s 3000 meters, Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen finally clinched the world indoor title that had eluded him despite his impressive track record. He secured first place with a time of 7:46.09, finishing ahead of Ethiopia's Berihu Aregawi, who came in at 7:46.25, and Australia’s Ky Robinson, who rounded out the podium with a time of 7:47.09. The victory was not handed to Ingebrigtsen lightly; Aregawi challenged him throughout the race, employing tactical moves to unsettle the Norwegian as they approached the final laps.
Ingebrigtsen, known for his strong finishes, exhibited remarkable poise, positioning himself strategically within the leading pack. Even as Aregawi attempted to take charge with aggressive kicks, Ingebrigtsen responded with composure. The 24-year-old now looks to add another gold medal to his repertoire in the upcoming 1500m, which few athletes have managed to achieve.
Unquestionably, the most significant historical parallel can be drawn to Haile Gebrselassie, the only male athlete in history to secure a double at these championships, having accomplished that feat in 1999. Should Ingebrigtsen succeed this weekend, he will cement his legacy alongside the greats of the sport.
Meanwhile, the women’s 3000m saw Ethiopia's Freweyni Hailu take center stage, clocking in at 8:37.21 to claim her second world indoor title. Hailu's victory was closely contested, with the USA's Shelby Houlihan and Australia’s Jessica Hull finishing just behind her in 8:38.26 and 8:38.28, respectively. Hailu’s impressive performance was marked by a decisive kick as they approached the final lap, showcasing her speed and strategy as she navigated the competition.
At just 24 years old, Hailu now adds this gold to her previously impressive medal collection, which includes an 800m silver from 2022 and a 1500m gold two years later in Glasgow. The trajectory of her career is undeniably promising as she continues to excel across different distances.
Another highlight on Saturday was the women’s pole vault, where France’s Marie-Julie Bonnin made her mark by equalling the national record with a clearance of 4.75m. This remarkable feat brought her home the gold medal, celebrating her first global title after a bronze medal performance in the European Indoor Championships earlier this month. Bonnin maintained her cool through a disrupted competition, where technical difficulties briefly halted the event.
With determination, she soared past her competitors, including silver medalist Tina Sutej from Slovenia and bronze medalist Angelica Moser from Switzerland, both of whom cleared 4.70m. Bonnin's achievement is particularly notable as she has been coached by former athlete Damiel Dossevi and showcases a promising future for the young talent.
Bonnin, expressing her disbelief at the national record achievement, said, "I cannot believe it. It's like a dream." Coached by Dossevi since 2022, she has undergone significant development, becoming the European U23 champion and competing successfully at the Olympic level last summer.
Great Britain's Molly Caudery, who was vying to defend her title following a stellar season, unfortunately fell short, finishing fourth. With a personal season best of 4.85m, the defending champion felt the repercussions of technical interruptions in the competition, preventing her from taking off in a rhythm that could have yielded better results. Despite her commendable clearance of 4.70m, she could not handle the pressure of 4.75m, which resulted in a disappointing finish just off the podium.
After the event, Caudery reflected on her experience, stating, "I'm really disappointed. I wanted to come out here after last year and do something, and I know that I'm in shape to do something." Her determination to focus on future competitions remains strong, especially as the World Championships in Tokyo approach.
Alongside these disappointments, names like Sarah Healy also echoed through Nanjing as she fought for glory in the women’s 3000m. Although Healy finished sixth in 8:40.00, her remarkable performances leading up to this championship, including a gold medal at the European Indoors just weeks prior, solidified her status as a rising star in distance running.
Amidst the electric atmosphere in Nanjing, the action isn't over yet. As the championships continue through the weekend, the excitement surrounding potential records and thrilling clashes amongst top-tier athletes adds to the smorgasbord of athleticism on display.
With fantastic races and significant milestones achieved on just the second day of the World Athletics Indoor Championships, the challenge for these athletes remains fierce as they strive for global acclaim.
