In a thrilling women’s 3000m final, Italy’s Nadia Battocletti executed a perfectly timed finish to claim victory in a dramatic, closely fought race.
Similarly, in the men’s race, Great Britain’s Josh Kerr surprised the field by launching an early, sustained sprint to the line, showcasing remarkable determination.
Kazakhstan’s Norah Jeruto set a measured early pace in the women’s contest, keeping the pack tightly bunched and setting the stage for an exciting finish.
The first 1000m was covered in 3:15.00, as the group maintained a tactical approach.
Drama unfolded when Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu was pushed and fell, prompting an increase in pace. Hailu impressively recovered, regaining contact with the leaders. At 2000m, the clock read 6:16.42, with Jeruto once again at the front.
With two laps remaining, Jessica Hull surged ahead, and a trio broke away at the bell for a fierce battle to the finish. Battocletti unleashed the strongest kick, powering to victory in 8:57.64. Emily Mackay of the USA edged Hull for silver, 8:58.12 to 8:58.18.
The men’s 3000m race proved equally captivating, boasting a field packed with world-class talent from the 1500m, 3000m steeplechase, and long-distance events. Predicting a winner was nearly impossible, given the depth of competition.
Cole Hocker set an assertive early pace, leading the field through 1000m in 2:38.50.
Midway through the race, Ethiopia’s Addisu Yihune and Getnet Wale dramatically injected pace, surging to the front and shaking up the pack.
They reached the 2000m mark in 5:10.57, with Yared Nuguse and Hocker still in close contention.
The final lap was a thriller. At the bell, Great Britain’s Josh Kerr launched a decisive move, determined to avenge his Paris Olympic defeat to Hocker in the 1500m. France’s Yann Schrub and Hocker gave chase, but Kerr’s strength prevailed as he broke the tape in 7:35.56. Hocker narrowly edged Schrub for silver, 7:35.70 to 7:35.71.
Josh KERR, 3000 Metres Men, GBR
Cole HOCKER, 3000 Metres Men, USA
Yann SCHRUB, 3000 Metres Men, FRA
Jacob KROP, 3000 Metres Men, KEN, photo by World Athletics
The excitement continued in the men’s pole vault. Armand Duplantis and Emmanouil Karalis engaged in a psychological battle, with Karalis clearing 6.05m before attempting higher bars. Duplantis soared to a new championship record at 6.25m, while Karalis was unable to match the feat.
The women’s 400m final delivered more drama as three of the eight finalists set national records. Czechia’s Lurdes Gloria Manuel claimed gold with a personal best of 50.76, while Kenya’s Mercy Oketch finished fifth, also in record time at 51.25.
The day culminated in the much-anticipated women’s 60m final. Italy’s Zynab Dosso electrified the crowd with a winning time of 7.00, while USA’s Jacious Sears and Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred both clocked 7.03, with Sears securing silver.
