World Athletics Championships 2033
Official Overview
The World Athletics Championships, formerly known as the IAAF World Championships in Athletics until its rebranding in 2019, stands as the premier biennial global competition in track and field athletics, organized by World Athletics. This elite event, held every two years, showcases the highest level of senior international outdoor athletics, encompassing track and field events, marathon running, and race walking. With 49 events split between men's and women's competitions, it represents the pinnacle of athletic achievement outside the Olympic Games. The United States leads the all-time medal table with 211 gold medals, followed by Kenya with 72 and Russia with 42. Usain Bolt of Jamaica secured 11 golds across sprints and relays from 2007 to 2017, cementing his legacy as the greatest sprinter in history. The 2033 edition marks the 50th anniversary of the inaugural championships held in Helsinki in 1983, making it a particularly significant milestone for the sport.
Comprehensive History
The World Athletics Championships history began in the early 20th century when the IAAF, in 1913, designated the Olympic Games as the equivalent of world championships for athletics. The first such competition, the 1976 World Championships in Athletics, was held in Malmö, Sweden, featuring just one event: the men's 50 km walk. The official inaugural championships in 1983 in Helsinki, Finland, featured 41 events, 153 nations, and 1,333 athletes. Carl Lewis won three golds at the inaugural event, beginning a storied championship career. The event has since grown to become the third-largest sporting event in the world by viewership, behind only the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. Notable venues have included Tokyo (1991), Seville (1999), Berlin (2009), and London (2017), each hosting memorable moments in athletics history.
By 2033, Kenya will dominate distance events, claiming multiple golds in marathons and middle-distance races. The United States will lead overall medals, with emerging sprinters breaking records in the 100m and 200m. Watch for breakthroughs from athletes representing African nations and emerging powers from Asia.
Quick Facts
- The first World Championships in 1983 in Helsinki featured 41 events.
- Usain Bolt holds the most golds (11) across individual and relay events from 2007-2017.
- The United States has won the most golds overall (211) and topped the medal table in 14 editions.
- 37 world records have been set or equalled throughout the championships history.
- Participation grew from 153 nations in 1983 to 198 in 2025.
- The 2033 edition marks the 50th anniversary of the inaugural championships.