Hosted in Budapest, Hungary, the 2023 World Athletics Championship went down in an incredible style from 19th – 27th August 2023. The event saw medals awarded in 49 field and track events, with different athletes displaying world-class performances to take the titles home.
India’s Neeraj Chopra made history by becoming the first world champion in the country to take home a gold medal. The Indian athlete logged the best record of 88.17m in Men’s Javelin, with Pakistani Arshad Nadeem winning silver in the same event.
On the women’s side, Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon ended the event as a double World athletics champion this year after winning a gold medal in the 1500m race. Few days later, Kipyegon went ahead to show her power in middle-distance races after winning her second gold medal in the 5000m race.
With the event now in history books, athletes and sports betting punters at Betway sports betting Zambia now have their eyes set on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games set for next summer. But first, Here’s a recap of the 2023 World Athletics Championship.
Unbeatable Kenyan clinches a double in Budapest
The world’s best middle-distance runner, Faith Kipyegon proved her prowess in track distance running by clinching two gold medals in Budapest. Only a few days after sealing a hat-trick victory to retain her 1,500m title, the Kenyan athlete held off the pack in the 5000m race to take home another gold in 14:53.88.
Faith Kipyegon’s victory left Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan (who previously scooped bronze in the 1500m) to settle for silver after recording a time of 14:54.11. Fortunately for punters, Betway offered solid odds on the event.
United States leads the medal table
This year’s championship tournament saw many firsts as the United States topped the medals table with 29 medals. The US team dominated the nine-day event, with 12 golds, 8 silvers, and 9 bonzes, ranking above Canada, who took home six golds and two silvers.
Despite dominating the medals table, the US team had four fewer medals than the 2022 World Athletics Championships hosted in Eugene, Oregon. The US had a home advantage during their last event, but this year’s record is still in line with other championships they have recently participated in.
Neeraj Chopra becomes the first Indian World Champion
Once again, India’s Neeraj Chopra went down in history books after winning gold in the Men’s Javelin throw event. Recording the best throw at 88.17m, the Olympic champion is the first Indian athlete to win gold at a senior world championship event.
The gold medal was a special achievement for Neeraj, who has taken home almost every major title in his sport. That includes the world championship and Olympic golds, the Diamond League title, and the 2018 CommonWealth Games. He also won the 2017 Asian Athletic Championships and the 2018 Asia Games.
Canada’s Pierce LePage wins first world decathlon title
Canada’s Pierce LePage won his first world decathlon gold, denying Olympic champion and fellow countryman Damian Warner the one title that he’s missing in his illustrious career. After winning Silver in last year’s world championships, LePage started the day in second place and took the lead during the 110-meter hurdles. This was the day’s first event and he didn’t budge from the top spot.
