Toshikazu Yamanishi made history in Kobe, Japan, on February 16, 2025, when he broke the men’s 20km race walk world record with a time of 1:16:10. This performance was 26 seconds faster than the previous record, set by Yusuke Suzuki in 2015. Yamanishi, already a two-time world champion, dominated the field from the 13th kilometre. He maintained a relentless pace and finished well ahead of his rivals.
His achievement came after a year of setbacks, including a disqualification at the previous national championships. Yamanishi responded with new training methods and refined his technique. His resilience and discipline paid off, earning him not only a world record but also a place at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
This spirit of pushing boundaries is not unique to Yamanishi. Around the world, other athletes are also rewriting the record books. Beatrice Chebet, Armand Duplantis, and Jakob Ingebrigtsen have each set new world records.
Meanwhile, Chebet, a Kenyan long-distance runner, shattered the women’s only 5km and 10,000m world records. Her performances in Barcelona and Eugene stunned the athletics world. She became the first woman to break the 29-minute barrier in the 10,000m, showcasing endurance and tactical brilliance.
Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vaulter, soared to new heights with a 6.26-meter clearance. He broke his world record and continues to redefine what is possible in pole vaulting. On the other hand, Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the Norwegian distance runner, broke the men’s 3000m world record. His time of 7:17.55 ended a 28-year-old record.
These four athletes—Yamanishi, Chebet, Duplantis, and Ingebrigtsen—are united by their relentless pursuit of excellence. In this new era, world records are not just numbers. They are symbols of dedication, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit. As Yamanishi and his peers continue to break barriers, they remind us that greatness is never out of reach.
