What's happened
In 2025, top athletes Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone dominated their events, setting multiple world records and winning major titles. Meanwhile, Australian sprinter Edward Osei-Nketia, now representing Australia, aims for Olympic medals in 2028, marking a significant shift in his career.
What's behind the headline?
Record-breaking dominance by Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone underscores their exceptional talent and consistency, with Duplantis setting four consecutive world records and remaining undefeated in 16 competitions. Their achievements highlight the increasing specialization and competitiveness in athletics. Osei-Nketia's switch to Australia reflects a strategic move to access better support and opportunities, aiming to elevate Australia's sprinting profile. This shift could influence future talent development in the region. The focus on these athletes signals a broader trend of record-breaking performances and national allegiance changes shaping the athletics landscape in 2025. The next Olympic cycle will test whether these athletes can translate their dominance into medals on the world stage, potentially redefining national standings in track and field.
What the papers say
According to AP News, Duplantis broke his own world record four times in 2025 and remained undefeated in 16 competitions, emphasizing his dominance in pole vaulting. The Japan Times highlights McLaughlin-Levrone's historic wins, including her second-fastest 400m time and titles in both the 400m and hurdles, showcasing her versatility and consistency. AP News also reports on Edward Osei-Nketia's transfer to Australia, aiming for medals at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, after not being selected for Tokyo 2020 and briefly trying American football. These sources collectively illustrate a year of record-breaking achievements and strategic athlete movements shaping the athletics scene.
How we got here
The year 2025 saw record-breaking performances in athletics, with Duplantis setting four pole vault world records and remaining undefeated, and McLaughlin-Levrone winning titles in both the 400m and hurdles. Osei-Nketia, originally from New Zealand, transferred allegiance to Australia after not competing in Tokyo 2020, and now aims for Olympic success in Los Angeles 2028.
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