Lyles Returns to the Track as Kerr Eyes Second World 1,500m Title

On day five of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, athletes will be looking to rebound and defend their titles, with Noah Lyles, Josh Kerr, Jake Wightman, and Katie Moon among the stand-out competitors.

Lyles, recovering from a 100m bronze, will navigate the 200m heats, while Kerr and Wightman aim for a second 1,500m world title. Katie Moon will attempt a third consecutive gold in the women’s pole vault at the Tokyo National Stadium, where she also won Olympic gold in 2021.

The men’s 1,500m has already seen shocks. Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the 2021 Olympic champion, failed to progress from the heats after sustaining an Achilles injury following his world indoor double in March.

Meanwhile, Olympic champion Cole Hocker was disqualified in Monday’s semi-finals for “jostling” in the final straight; his appeal was rejected.

The defending champion is Britain’s Josh Kerr, who along with teammate Jake Wightman, denied Ingebrigtsen gold at the last two world championships. Kerr stated:”I am coming here as someone who’s done it before and I am coming to do it again.”

Other competitors include:

Despite notable absentees, competition remains fierce.

Katie Moon of the United States, two-time defending world champion and 2021 Olympic gold medallist, leads the women’s pole vault final. Thirteen other athletes also qualified, each clearing 4.60m. Moon will be joined by teammates Sandi Morris and Hana Moll.

Morris commented: “I am here for revenge because at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 I broke a pole in qualification and got injured, so I’ve already started better than last time I was here.”

Notable absences:

Noah Lyles begins his bid for a fourth consecutive world 200m title at the National Stadium.

Reflecting on his 100m bronze, Lyles said: “The focus is now on 200 metres, that’s my bread and butter.”

In the women’s sprint, Julien Alfred, Olympic 100m champion, has withdrawn from the 200m due to a hamstring strain, prioritising long-term health.

Jefferson-Wooden expressed excitement for the 200m: “Coming out with the gold medal and a championship record, it’s a great start to my second world championships. I am excited about the 200 metres now.”