Puripol Boonson, 19, Thailand
Having started his sporting life on the school handball courts, Puripol Boonson’s sprinting journey began after one of his teachers fortuitously noticed how fast he was while he was playing with his friends.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Boonson isn’t just the fastest runner in his schoolyard; he’s the fastest sprinter in his country.
The Thai teenager is the national record holder in the 100m (10.06) and 200m (20.19), and has also proved his ability to win medals on the international stage, including a silver in the 100m at the 2022 Asian Games.
At the 2024 World U20 Championships in Lima, Boonson finished second in the 100m, just behind South Africa’s own teen sensation, Bayanda Walaza.
Boonson remains one of the brightest sparks in all of Asia, and much will be expected of him over the next days in Tokyo.
Anthaya Charlton, 22, Bahamas
The joint-eighth fastest woman in the world this year is none other than the Bahamas’ Anthaya Charlton.
Her time? A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it mark of 10.87.
Perhaps the most stunning factoid about Charlton’s rise this season is the fact that the 100m may not even be her strongest event. Competing for the Florida Gators in the US collegiate system, the young star made a name for herself as one of the best long jumpers competing in America.
However, this year, she has placed herself firmly in the spotlight in the sprints, breaking into the top 10 in the world as she prepares for Tokyo 25.
If she can continue her trajectory at the Worlds, Charlton may just be one to watch this year and in the future.
Sorato Shimizu, 16, Japan
While most teenagers are caught up in schoolwork, friends and perhaps the latest Netflix series, Sorato Shimizu has been busy making headlines by setting the fastest 100m time (10.00 seconds) by an under-18-year-old in history.
If that wasn’t enough, this particular phenom is still only 16.
Now, having been named on Japan’s relay squad for his home World championships, Shimuzu will have the chance to show his talents on the global stage.
While his record-breaking run at a domestic high school meet caught the attention of athletics aficionados across the world, the youngster isn’t content to rest on his laurels.
“I’m 16 now and next year when I’m 17 I hope to run a sub-10,” Shimuzu told reporters before his selection for the Worlds was confirmed. “After that, three years down the road when I’m 19, 20, I want to compete at the Los Angeles Olympics.
“I want to run a 9 while I’m still in high school so for now, that’s what I’m working towards.”
If his times right now are anything to go by, Shimizu’s lofty goals may well be in reach.