Kenya delivered one of its strongest performances in recent history at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

The team is currently second behind the United States in the medal standings with a total of 10 medals: 6 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze.

Kenya’s Medal Haul

Kenya’s dominance came in middle- and long-distance running, where the country’s athletes reaffirmed their global reputation.

Gold medals (6): Emmanuel Wanyonyi (800m), Beatrice Chebet (5000m, 10,000m), Faith Cherotich (3000m steeplechase), Faith Kipyegon (1500m), and Peres Jepchirchir (marathon).

Silver medals (2): Faith Kipyegon (5000m) and Dorcus Ewoi (1500m).

Bronze medals (2): Reynold Cheruiyot (1500m) and Edmund Serem (3000m steeplechase).

Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet stood out as Kenya’s multiple medal winners, underlining the country’s depth in women’s distance running.

Kenya’s marathon pedigree was further underscored beyond the World Championships stage.

At the 2025 Berlin Marathon, Sebastian Sawe stormed to victory in the men’s race in 2:02:18 time, earning gold with a commanding performance that reaffirmed his status among the world’s elite.

In the women’s race, Rosemary Wanjiru delivered an equally brilliant run in 2:21:05 time, clinching gold and extending Kenya’s dominance on the international road racing circuit.

Their Berlin triumphs added to the nation’s growing list of achievements in 2025, cementing Kenya’s reputation as the home of world-class marathoners.

United States Still on Top

The U.S. topped the table with a commanding 20 medals: 12 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze. The American squad showcased its versatility across sprints, field events, and relays. Among the highlights:

Noah Lyles confirmed his sprint dominance with victories in both the 100m and 200m.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone captured gold in the 400m, adding to the country’s track supremacy.

Ryan Crouser (shot put) and Valarie Allman (discus) extended America’s strength in throws.

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden was another standout, bagging gold in both the 100m and 200m.

The U.S. also grabbed multiple silvers and bronzes through athletes like Kenneth Bednarek (200m) and Tara Davis-Woodhall (long jump), showing its depth across disciplines.

Other Top Performers

Behind the U.S. and Kenya, other nations impressed with targeted successes: Canada (4 medals: 3 gold, 1 bronze) – with Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers excelling in hammer throw, while Marco Arop shone in the 800m.

Netherlands (4 medals: 2 gold, 2 silver) – led by Femke Bol, who added another gold in the 400m hurdles and anchored the 4x400m mixed relay.

New Zealand (3 medals: 2 gold, 1 bronze) – highlighted by Hamish Kerr (high jump) and Geordie Beamish (3000m steeplechase).

Spain and Portugal also broke into the gold column, each collecting 2 golds, while Jamaica posted a strong all-round tally of 8 medals (1 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze) mainly in sprinting.

The Bigger Picture

The U.S. remains the undisputed leader in global athletics, but Kenya’s 10-medal tally, heavily fueled by women athletes, signals a growing challenge, particularly in endurance races.

With Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand also rising, Tokyo 2025 highlighted both traditional dominance and new contenders in world athletics.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi after winning gold for team kenya at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo. PHOTO/ Team Kenya X