The 2025 World Athletics championships officially begin in Tokyo tomorrow, launching nine days of intense competition across the full spectrum of track and field events. 

The championships will be from 13 to 21 September, and among the key events kicking off the action are the marathon, where Namibian athletes Alina Armas and Daniel Paulus will represent the nation in what promises to be a physically demanding contest. 

With Tokyo forecast to experience sweltering heat and humidity throughout the weekend, conditions are expected to test even the most seasoned endurance athletes. Both Armas and Paulus have prepared extensively for this moment, carrying not only the weight of personal ambition but also the hopes of an expectant nation. 

Armas enters the women’s marathon with a personal best time of 2:32:34, while Paulus, brings with him an impressive best performance of 2:08:40, that has put him among Namibia’s leading long-distance athletes. 

The women’s marathon, scheduled for Sunday, will see a competitive field at the starting line, with a mix of experienced champions and rising stars pushing for pace in punishing weather conditions. 

The men’s race, set for Monday, features some of the world’s fastest marathon runners this season, including Tadese Takele, Jacob Kiplimo, Amos Kipruto, and Deresa Geleta. 

Their recent performances, clockedunderhighlycompetitive conditions, have made them the most closely watched entrants in the race. 

Paulus, speaking ahead of the event, expressed confidence: “I am ready for the race and hope for the best.” 

From home, Namibia’s sporting authorities are showing strong support. 

Chief administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission Freddy Mwiya shared a message of encouragement: “We understand the team is small, but let them remain focused and show the world what Namibia can offer.” 

Organisers have also expressed concern over Tokyo’s climate. President of World Athletics Sebastian Coe acknowledged the challenge of hosting endurance events under extreme conditions, but reaffirmed confidence in the safety measures in place. 

“I don’t think it’s any great secret, we do have some heat challenges in Tokyo,” Coe stated during a press briefing with international media on Tuesday. 

“I am very proud to say we have the most accomplished and capable health and science team in any international sport. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, we’ve been preparing for these conditions for a long time.” 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na