From the pole vaulter in a class of his own to Kipyegon and Warholm, the world championships in Japan offer tantalising chances for new global marks
Armand Duplantis is in a class of his own with a 17-foot pole in his hands. The Swede has broken the world record 13 times, including three times this year. His clearance of 6.28m at June’s Diamond League on home soil in Stockholm was particularly special: “This was one of my biggest goals and dreams, to set a world record here at Stadion. It’s magic.” In Budapest last month, he went to 6.29m. At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics he won gold but failed in his three attempts at a world record. “I really thought I had it,” he said. This time?
Final Mon 15 Sep, 12.10pm BST
The disappointment of her failed attempt to become the first woman to run a four-minute mile in June was short lived for Faith Kipyegon. The following week, the 31-year-old Kenyan ran 3min 48.68sec in the 1500m in Eugene, Oregon, making it three years on the spin that she has set a new world record at that distance. Whether Kipyegon wins a third successive world title in Tokyo is almost beyond question – all eyes will probably be on the clock as she crosses the line.
Final Mon 15 Sep 1.30pm BST
