Canada’s largest-ever team of 59 athletes aims for medals at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, kicking off the road to L.A. 2028.
Historic Team Size
Canada is sending its largest-ever team to the World Athletics Championships, with 59 athletes set to compete in Tokyo from September 12 to 21. The group includes 30 men and 29 women, reflecting unprecedented depth across disciplines.
Leaders With Championships Pedigree
Four Canadians arrive as defending world champions: hammer throwers Camryn Rogers and Ethan Katzberg, decathlete Pierce LePage, and 800-metre standout Marco Arop. Each will look to repeat gold-medal performances while setting the tone for teammates.
Depth Across Disciplines
Athletics Canada head coach Glenroy Gilbert says the squad’s strength lies in balance. “We’ve got throws, jumps, sprints, multis, and walks. Across the board, we’re very well represented,” Gilbert said from the team’s training base in Gifu, Japan. He emphasized the importance of “performance on demand” — peaking when it matters most.
Rising Throwing Power
Canada’s biggest medal hopes may come from the throwing events. Rogers and Katzberg are both reigning Olympic champions, while Nova Scotia’s Sarah Mitton is ranked among the world’s top shot putters after earning silver at the 2023 worlds. Gilbert credits strong coaching networks for the surge, citing grassroots programs and mentors like former Olympic medallist Dylan Armstrong.
Relay Strength and Potential
The men’s 4x100m relay team, featuring Olympic champion Andre De Grasse, has proven capable of winning on the world stage. Gilbert also highlighted the women’s relay squad, which set a Canadian record earlier this year at the World Athletics Relays. “They’ve got the pieces to contend,” he said, noting that belief and execution will be crucial under championship pressure.
Next Generation Emerging
Alongside established stars, new faces are making headlines. Sprinter Christopher Morales Williams, 21, holds Canada’s 400m record, while hurdler Savannah Sutherland, 23, set a Canadian and NCAA record in the women’s 400m hurdles this summer. Both will use Tokyo as a proving ground against the world’s best.
Looking Ahead to the Olympics
For Athletics Canada, these championships are more than a medal chase — they mark the first step toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Gilbert says the Tokyo results will help shape the path forward: “This is about identifying future podium contenders and giving them the experience they need to succeed at the biggest stage.”
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