Five content creators and 27 sports media professionals have been selected for the Content Creator Programme and the World Athletics Media Academy, respectively, as World Athletics aims to nurture the next generation of talent.
By addressing critical gaps in talent, diversity and expertise, the Media Academy is designed to ensure a bright future for the storytelling of athletics – in journalism, photography and broadcast commentary.
Running alongside this is the Content Creator Programme, which was established in 2023 and has become a launch pad for content creators within the sport – providing a platform for talented creatives on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.
The inaugural edition of the Media Academy will take centre stage during the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 in September, when the 27 selected journalists, photographers and TV commentators will have the unique opportunity of covering the prestigious event in person.
The journalist section of the initiative is delivered in partnership with the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), offering young reporters the chance to develop their skills in Tokyo where they will be guided by leading international mentors. The participants were chosen following an online part of the project that launched in February.
The photographer workshop, in collaboration with Sony, will see 11 young professionals learn from some of the world’s best athletics photographers and news agencies in Tokyo, to sharpen their visual storytelling skills covering athletics.
The TV commentator programme will involve aspiring broadcasters being mentored by seasoned commentators, gaining hands-on experience and insight into live athletics production during the championships.
This multifaceted Media Academy underlines World Athletics’ commitment to fostering high-quality global coverage of the sport by investing directly in the next generation of athletics media professionals. In total, 27 participants – 14 women and 13 men – from 19 countries across all continental areas are represented. They include AIPS Young Reporters Programme finalists and former track stars such as Olympic champions Wilfred Bungei and Tonique Williams, as they aim to kick off their international broadcast careers.
World Athletics Media Academy class of 2025
Journalism: Camila Alves (BRA), Louis Boulay (FRA), Andjela Cegar (AUT) Anushe Engineer (PAK), Beatrice Go (PHI), Nika Kljucaric (CRO), Martin Moses (KEN), Pierre Pillet (SUI), Annika Saunus (GER), Ainhoa Serrano (ESP), Jasmine Trapnell (GBR), Lucijan Zalokar (SLO)
Photography: Hassan Omar Wamwayi (UGA), Diogo Cardoso (POR), Birgit Dieryck (BEL), Anastasia Karekla (CYP), Mate Ladjanszki (HUN), Annabel Lee-Ellis (GBR), Kenichiro Ogane (JPN), Will Palmer (GBR), Pamela Smith (USA), Ross Turteltaub (USA), Eric Wu (AUS)
Commentary: Wilfred Bungei (KEN), Martin Keino (KEN), Rosie Tinbergen (GBR), Tonique Williams (BAH)
Five more creatives will have their work showcased on World Athletics’ digital channels following their selection to the Content Creator Programme.
More than 800 applications from all around the world were received for the Content Creator Programme following the 2025 launch in April and the five selected creatives – from five different countries – will now create TikTok, YouTube and Instagram content for World Athletics’ platforms.
Content Creator Programme class of 2025
Ajay Allen (USA)
A cinematographer and filmmaker, and a student athlete hurdler at the University of Missouri–Kansas City.
Leila Gammouh (FRA)
A photographer and social media expert.
Fette (Jorge Larco) (ECU)
An illustrator best known for his cycling illustrations, exploring a new interest in athletics.
Sikhalo Mguni (GBR)
A full-time engineer and rising athletics content creator with a lot of passion for the sport.
Herbert Thomas (JAM)
A filmmaker and photographer with a lifelong passion for athletics.
World Athletics