This children’s article, The World Athletics Championships is coming to Tokyo!, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about athletics, and get excited for one of the biggest sporting events on the planet. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
A history of the championships
The World Athletics Championships is like the Olympics’ younger sibling. It started in 1983 in Helsinki, Finland. Initially, it was held infrequently, but since 1991, it has taken place every two years. It has grown into the biggest event in athletics outside of the Olympic Games.
Over the decades, fans have watched record-breaking races, incredible long jumps, and unforgettable relays. Stars like Usain Bolt lit up the track here before becoming Olympic legends.
Looking back at the last championships
At the last championships, in Budapest, the United States team showed why they’re often called a track and field powerhouse. They topped the medal table with 12 golds and 29 medals in total. Canada surprised many with 4 gold medals and 6 overall, while Spain also took home 4 golds. Jamaica and Kenya, both known for their sprinting and long-distance running, had strong performances too, each winning 10 or more medals.
The championship was full of exciting finishes and nail-biting moments. It left fans hungry for even more action, which is why all eyes are now on Tokyo.
What to watch out for in Tokyo
The most popular events are always the sprints, especially the 100 metres and the 4×100 relay, where races are decided by fractions of a second. Long-distance races, like the marathon, also bring drama, as do the high jump and pole vault when athletes seem to defy gravity.
This year, stars from around the world will take centre stage. Fans will be watching sprinters from Jamaica, middle-distance runners from Kenya, throwers from Europe, and of course, American athletes hoping to repeat their medal success. Tokyo will be buzzing with excitement as the best of the best compete.
How long does the competition last?
The championships will take place in Tokyo from the 13th to the 21st of September. By the end, dozens of new champions will be crowned, world records might be broken, and fans will be talking about the highlights for years to come.
So, get ready to cheer, because the World Athletics Championships are about to begin in Tokyo!
Article vocabulary list
- Athletics – Sports like running, jumping, and throwing
- Championships – A big competition to find the best in the world
- Relay – A running race where teammates pass a baton to each other
- Medal table – A chart showing how many medals each country has won
- Sprint – A very fast, short-distance running race
- Marathon – A very long race, 42.2 kilometres long
- Defy – To go against something, like gravity or expectations
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. When did the World Athletics Championships first take place?
A) 1983
B) 1991
C) 1972
Answer: A) 1983
2. How often are the championships held now?
A) Every year
B) Every two years
C) Every four years
Answer: B) Every two years
3. Which country won the most medals at the last championships?
A) Jamaica
B) Canada
C) United States
Answer: C) United States
4. How many gold medals did Spain win?
A) 1
B) 4
C) 5
Answer: B) 4
5. Where will the upcoming championships be held?
A) Nairobi
B) Tokyo
C) London
Answer: B) Tokyo
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
