Where Will the Medal Ceremonies Take Place at the World Athletics Championships?

The World Athletics Championships have introduced a new format for medal ceremonies, with athletes receiving personalised medals the day after their events. This change, evident at the ongoing 2025 Championships in Tokyo, Japan, aims to enhance the celebratory experience for medal winners and fans alike.

Last updated: 13 September 2025 (BST)

Key Takeaways

The 2025 World Athletics Championships are being held in Tokyo from 13 to 21 September.
Medal ceremonies now occur the day after events, enhancing the experience for athletes.
The Medal Plaza features a warm, wood-themed design, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Personalised medals will be engraved with the athlete's name and event details.
High-profile events have already showcased remarkable performances, including the men's and women's 100m finals.

Overview of the 2025 World Athletics Championships

The 2025 World Athletics Championships, held at the iconic Japan National Stadium, marks a significant event in the athletics calendar. Originally constructed for the 2020 Olympic Games, which were postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the stadium provides an impressive backdrop for this year’s championship events. With the competition running from September 13 to September 21, athletes from around the globe are competing in various disciplines, showcasing their talents and pushing the limits of human performance.

Medal Ceremonies: A New Format

One of the most notable changes at this year's championships is the format of medal ceremonies. In previous years, medal winners would receive their medals shortly after their event. However, this year, athletes are presented with a temporary medal immediately after their event, while official medal ceremonies take place the following day.

This decision aims to enhance the experience for athletes, allowing them to celebrate their achievements in front of their peers and fans at a dedicated ceremony. According to World Athletics, these ceremonies are generally held before the evening session on the day following each competition. The exception is on Day 9, when ceremonies will take place after the Closing Ceremony.

The Medal Plaza: A Unique Venue

The Medal Plaza, located just outside the southern area of the Japan National Stadium, serves as the venue for these ceremonies. Designed with a warm, wood-themed aesthetic, the plaza complements the architecture of the stadium, providing a distinctive and inviting atmosphere for both athletes and fans. This open-air space is designed to celebrate the achievements of athletes in a grand style, allowing spectators to share in the joy of the moment.

Medal Design and Personalisation

The medals awarded at the World Athletics Championships are not only symbols of achievement but also works of art. This year's medals feature a unique design that extends beyond the original boundaries of the championship logo. Dynamic stripes sweep across the front of the medals, while Tokyo’s city code “TYO” is stylised to resemble an athletics track. This design reflects ambition, momentum, and growth, while the outer arc of the medal expresses connection and unity among athletes from around the world.

What sets these medals apart is the personalisation aspect. Each medal will be engraved with the athlete's name, their country's three-letter code, and the specific event they competed in. This personal touch adds significance to the awards, making them cherished mementoes for the athletes.

Highlights from the Championships

As the championships unfold, several high-profile events have already captivated audiences. Notably, Jamaica's Oblique Seville triumphed in the men's 100m final, clocking an impressive time of 9.77 seconds. His compatriot Kishane Thompson also made headlines by securing a silver medal, showcasing Jamaica's dominance in sprinting.

On the women's side, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden claimed victory in the women's 100m final with a remarkable time of 10.61 seconds. This performance not only earned her gold but also made her the fourth fastest woman in history, further adding to the excitement of the championships.

What Happens Next?

As the World Athletics Championships continue, fans can expect more thrilling performances and inspiring stories from athletes around the world. The new medal ceremony format will provide opportunities for athletes to celebrate their achievements in a meaningful way, fostering a sense of camaraderie among competitors.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how these changes in medal presentation impact the athlete's experience and the overall atmosphere of the championships. The focus on personalisation and celebration aligns well with the spirit of the event, ensuring that athletes are recognised not just for their speed and skill but also for their dedication and hard work.

Conclusion

The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo represent a significant evolution in how medal ceremonies are conducted. By shifting the presentation of medals to the following day, athletes are offered a more celebratory and communal experience. The striking design of the medals and the welcoming atmosphere of the Medal Plaza further enhance this prestigious event. As the championships progress, audiences can look forward to witnessing extraordinary feats of athleticism and the celebration of champions.

What do you think about the new medal ceremony format? Will it enhance the experience for athletes and fans alike? #WorldAthletics #Tokyo2025 #AthleteCelebration

FAQs

When are the 2025 World Athletics Championships taking place?

The championships are being held from 13 to 21 September 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.

What is the new medal ceremony format?

Medal winners receive a temporary medal immediately after their event but attend a medal ceremony the following day to receive their personalised medals.