100 Days to Tokyo World Championships; Competition Medals Revealed

In just 100 days, the world’s greatest athletes will gather in the Japanese capital for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.

To mark this milestone, the local organising committee has revealed the design of the medals that will be waiting for the athletes who make it on to the podium from September 13-21.

Alrick Swaby Tells us more.

Drawing on ideas from Japan’s junior and high school athletics stars, and shaped through consultation with a panel of young athletes and design experts, the medals represent victory and the journey it takes to get there.

In a nod to Tokyo’s natural heritage and WCH Tokyo 25’s sustainability promise, the case for each medal is made from locally sourced Tama wood – a tactile reminder of the host city.

The design extends beyond the original boundaries of the logo, with dynamic stripes sweeping across the front and Tokyo’s city code “TYO” stylised as an athletics track reaching outward, symbolising ambition, momentum, and growth.

The outer arc brings the design together, expressing connection and unity across the world through sport.

The reverse side has a polished finish, acting as a mirror for each medallist – their first look at themselves as medal winners.

There is also a plate where their name will be engraved into the design.

This medal design puts the athlete at the heart of the medal, celebrating their achievement and dedication to athletics.

Each medal will be custom-engraved on the back with the medallist’s name, their country’s three-letter code, and the event in which they triumphed.

This engraving will take place inside the stadium, ensuring that the medal handed over during the ceremony is not just a symbol of victory but their victory, made personal from the very moment it’s awarded.