With just a few days until competition begins, World Athletics ambassadors for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 – Sally Pearson and Christian Taylor – have shared their predictions for the 20th edition of the global showpiece that will take place in Japan from 13-21 September.
Known for their own great feats in the women’s 100m hurdles and men’s triple jump, respectively, they have each shared their picks for Tokyo in those events, as well as their three ‘wild’ predictions across all disciplines.
Women’s 100m hurdles
Pearson: “I am going to throw it out there and I am going to say Megan Tapper, but this event is so seriously hard to predict that anyone who lines up in that final has the ability to win. Megan has been building, she has got her PB down to the 12.3s, which is really high-class hurdling, and she has beaten some of the best hurdlers in the world. So, she has the confidence to be able to win, she has got the times that allow her to win, and now she just needs to execute that in the final. But I think anyone who lines up in that final can win. Who knows? Let’s see.”
Taylor: “This is always a tight race and of course I am a bit biased – I think team USA has traditionally represented very well, and I believe has shown great dominance in this event over the last few years. I am going to give a shout out to a Gator great, but also a rising star, and that is Grace Stark. I think she is going to be the one to watch and the one to steal the title out in Tokyo.”
Men’s triple jump
Pearson: “Based off Diamond League results, you can’t really go past Jordan Scott from Jamaica – he has got something like three PBs through those Diamond Leagues. His one in Monaco was 17.52m. He is winning these events, he is beating these guys, and that consistency will really help to drive him into these World Championships and possibly win the event. I mean, why not?”
Taylor: “This is an event that I know all too well. I have to talk about Pedro Pichardo – a friend, a rival, and a strong competitor over the last decade who is still showing great shape. He is definitely going to be one of the ones to beat. Also, Andy Diaz – he is not even considered a rising star now. He has arrived and I’m sure that he is going to be there to fight for that title. Jordan Scott has shown great shape and is performing well in the Diamond League at a consistently high level. Last but not least, I have to talk about Hugues Fabrice Zango – he has always been there, he is a world champion, and I believe that with retirement around the corner, he is going to want to go out with a bang. The men’s triple jump is an event that you are going to want to watch – don’t miss it. Gentleman, go put on a show.”
Wild predictions
Pearson: “My three wild predictions for the World Championships – I’m so nervous to say! The men’s pole vault: Emmanouil Karalis. The men’s 100m: Oblique Seville. And Jess Hull in the women’s 1500m.”
Taylor: “If I had to make my three wildest predictions for these upcoming championships, I would have to say Claire Bryant in the women’s long jump – she is having a spectacular outdoor season. Also, Joseph Fahnbulleh in the men’s 200m. He has a signature kick the last 100m and I think that it is going to be something special. Last but not least, Victoria Hudson in the women’s javelin. She has already got the world lead and I believe that final is when it’s all going to come together.”