In 2025, Swedish pole vaulter Armand "Mondo" Duplantis continued his dominance in the sport, culminating in a remarkable world record at the World Athletics
Championships in Tokyo.
On September 15, Duplantis cleared 6.30 meters on his final attempt, securing his third consecutive world title and marking his 14th world record overall, the fourth in 2025 alone. This achievement not only defended his title but also extended his winning streak to over two years, showcasing unparalleled consistency and technical prowess. Earlier in the year, Duplantis set an indoor world record of 6.27 meters in Clermont-Ferrand, France, on February 28, underscoring his ability to perform at elite levels across seasons.
The year was marked by a surge in high-level performances, influenced by advancements in training, technology, and competitive scheduling. Following the Paris Olympics in 2024, athletes built on that momentum, leading to multiple records across track and field disciplines. World Athletics reported record revenues, driven by global interest in these feats.
Key Athletics Achievements in 2025
Several world records were shattered in men's events, particularly indoors early in the year. American Grant Fisher set indoor marks in the 3000m (7:22.91) and 5000m (12:44.09), while Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen broke the indoor 1500m (3:29.63) and mile (3:45.14) records in a single race.
Italy's Francesco Fortunato claimed the indoor 5000m race walk at 17:55.65, and Japan's Toshikazu Yamanishi set a 20km walk record of 1:16:10. Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo ran a half marathon in 56:42, and Italy's Massimo Stano achieved 2:20:43 in the 35km walk.
Lithuania's Mykolas Alekna threw the discus 75.56m, breaking a 38-year-old mark. Women's records were equally impressive, with Kenya's Faith Kipyegon lowering the 1500m to 3:48.68 and mile to 4:06.91. Compatriot Beatrice Chebet set the 5000m at 13:58.06 and 5km road at 14:13. Agnes Jebet Ngetich ran a women-only 10km road in 29:27, and Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa clocked a women-only marathon of 2:15:50.
American Anna Hall tied the heptathlon world record at 7032 points, aided by a 2:01.23 800m split. Nigeria's Favour Ofili set a 150m straight record of 15.85.
These accomplishments reflect the sport's evolution, with deeper fields and innovative events like the one-mile steeplechase, where Bahrain's Winfred Yavi set a new standard. As athletics heads into 2026, 2025 stands as a benchmark year for pushing human limits.
