The World Athletics Championships have delivered countless unforgettable moments since their inception in 1983, showcasing the pinnacle of human speed, strength, and endurance. In a fan-voted countdown featured in World Athletics’ YouTube video “TOP 10 – 40 Greatest World Athletics Championships Moments | 10 – 1,” the sport’s most iconic achievements were celebrated. From world records shattered under pressure to historic doubles and trebles, these moments capture the drama, athleticism, and sheer willpower that define track and field. Let’s relive the top 10, counting down from 10 to the ultimate number one.
10. Sifan Hassan’s Historic Distance Double (2019, Doha)
Sifan Hassan made history as the first athlete to claim gold in both the 1500m and 10,000m at a single World Championships. The Dutch star kicked off her double with a personal best of 30:17.62 in the 10,000m, edging out Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey by just over three seconds. Days later, in the 1500m, she unleashed a blistering 3:51.95— the sixth-fastest time ever— to defeat Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon. This feat came on the heels of Hassan’s world records in the mile and 5km road race earlier that year, foreshadowing her Olympic treble in Tokyo 2021. Her versatility redefined what’s possible in middle- and long-distance running.
9. Michael Johnson’s World Record 400m Swan Song (1999, Seville)
At 32 years old and battling injuries, Michael Johnson delivered a masterful farewell to the 400m at the World Championships, setting a world record of 43.18 seconds. This shaved 0.11 seconds off Butch Reynolds’ 1988 mark, a record that stood for 17 years until Wayde van Niekerk’s 43.03 in 2016. Despite running only four races that season, Johnson’s signature upright style and unyielding pace left the field in his wake. It was the perfect capstone to a career that included his iconic 19.32-second 200m world record from the 1996 Olympics, cementing him as one of the greatest one-lap specialists ever.
8. Carl Lewis’ Triple Gold at the Inaugural Championships (1983, Helsinki)
In the first-ever World Athletics Championships—held after the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Olympics—Carl Lewis announced his dominance with three golds. He started with the 100m in 10.07 seconds, leading a U.S. podium sweep ahead of Calvin Smith and Emmit King. In the long jump, Lewis soared to 8.55m on just two attempts, winning by 26cm over Jason Grimes. He anchored the 4x100m relay to a world record of 37.86 seconds. At 22, Lewis’ all-around brilliance set the tone for his legendary career, which would include four Olympic long jump golds.
7. Yulimar Rojas’ Triple Jump Dominance (2022, Oregon)
Venezuela’s Yulimar Rojas secured her third straight world title in the triple jump, leaping 15.47m in the second round to effectively end the competition. This came after a season of sub-15m jumps outdoors, but in Eugene, she reasserted her supremacy as the Olympic and world record holder (15.67m outdoor, 15.74m indoor). Her final jump of 15.39m edged out rivals, denying Colombia’s Caterine Ibarguen a hat-trick. At just 26, Rojas’ consistency and power have made her the undisputed queen of the triple jump, blending technique with explosive athleticism.
6. Mo Farah’s First World Double (2013, Moscow)
Great Britain’s Mo Farah claimed his maiden World Championships double in the 5,000m and 10,000m, building on his Olympic successes from London 2012. In sweltering 27°C heat, he overtook Ethiopia’s Ibrahim Jeilan on the final lap of the 10,000m to win in 27:21.71. The 5,000m was a tactical thriller, with Farah surging from 650m out to clock 13:26.98, holding off Hagos Gebrhiwet by 0.28 seconds. These victories brought Farah’s world gold tally to three, showcasing his trademark kick and mental toughness in the face of elite East African competition.
5. Allyson Felix’s Triple Gold at Age 21 (2007, Osaka)
Allyson Felix became only the second woman—after Marita Koch—to win three golds at one World Championships. The 21-year-old American stormed to 21.81 seconds in the 200m, dipping under 22 seconds for the first time and beating Jamaica’s Veronica Campbell. She contributed to the 4x100m victory in 41.98 and ran a stunning 48.01-second split on the second leg of the 4x400m, helping the U.S. to 3:18.55. Felix reflected, “I have been waiting for so long to run such a time, to run under 22 seconds. It has not been an easy road, but finally, I managed.” Her Osaka triumph launched a career with 20 world medals.
4. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s Sprint Treble (2013, Moscow)
Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce became the first woman to sweep the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m at a World Championships, matching Usain Bolt’s feat. She dominated the 100m in 10.71 seconds—the largest margin in event history (0.22 ahead of Ivory Coast’s Murielle Ahoure). In the 200m, she clocked 22.17 after Allyson Felix’s unfortunate fall. Anchoring the 4x100m, she helped set a championship record of 41.29. This sprint clean sweep for Jamaica highlighted Fraser-Pryce’s explosive starts and resilience, earning her the nickname “Pocket Rocket.”
3. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Barrier-Breaking 400m Hurdles (2022, Oregon)
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone redefined the 400m hurdles, becoming the first woman under 51 seconds with a world record of 50.68. She finished 1.59 seconds ahead of silver medalist Femke Bol of the Netherlands, who remarked, “She was so far in front at the end… And then I saw the time and I was like: ‘Wow’.” Building on her Olympic gold and previous records, McLaughlin-Levrone’s flawless technique and speed made this a once-in-a-generation performance, pushing the boundaries of women’s hurdles.
2. Mondo Duplantis’ World Record Pole Vault (2022, Oregon)
Sweden’s Armand “Mondo” Duplantis captured his first outdoor world title and shattered the world record in pole vault. After clearing 6.00m to win gold over the USA’s Chris Nilsen (5.94m) and the Philippines’ Ernest Obiena (5.94m, area record), he raised the bar. Duplantis cleared the championship record of 6.06m, then soared to 6.21m on his second attempt—his sixth world record. The 22-year-old’s effortless style and consistency have revolutionized pole vaulting, drawing comparisons to legends like Sergey Bubka.
1. Usain Bolt’s Double World Records (2009, Berlin)
Usain Bolt’s 2009 Berlin performances top the list, where he obliterated world records in the 100m and 200m. In the 100m, he ran 9.58 seconds—slashing 0.11 off his 9.69 from Beijing 2008—beating Tyson Gay (9.71). Four days later, in the 200m, Bolt clocked 19.19, bettering Michael Johnson’s 19.32 from 1996 and his own 19.30. His relaxed yet ferocious style captivated the world, with Bolt later saying it was the peak of his career. These records stood for years, embodying the magic of athletics at its fastest.
These moments not only highlight individual brilliance but also the evolution of the sport, from inaugural triumphs to boundary-pushing records. For the full video and more athletics content, check out World Athletics’ YouTube channel. What’s your favorite championships memory? Share in the comments below!
