Great Britain has officially confirmed its athletics squad for the upcoming 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, and the announcement is headlined by the inclusion of three reigning global champions: Keely Hodgkinson, Josh Kerr, and Katarina Johnson-Thompson. Their presence underlines the strength of Team GB’s challenge as the nation looks to build on its recent successes on the international stage.
Hodgkinson, fresh from her gold medal triumph in the women’s 800m at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and her continued dominance on the Diamond League circuit, is set to be one of Britain’s leading medal contenders in Tokyo. At just 23 years old, she has already established herself as one of the most consistent middle-distance runners in the world, combining tactical awareness with remarkable speed and resilience. Hodgkinson’s performances in the build-up to Tokyo have reinforced her reputation, and she enters the championships as a firm favourite.
Josh Kerr, the reigning world 1500m champion, will also carry British hopes on the track. Kerr stunned the world in Budapest when he held off Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen to claim gold in one of the most dramatic finals of the championships. Since then, Kerr has consolidated his status with a series of strong displays in both the mile and 1500m, cementing his place as one of the elite middle-distance runners on the planet.
With Ingebrigtsen once again expected to be his chief rival, Tokyo could stage another enthralling chapter in their growing rivalry, with Kerr determined to prove his triumph was no one-off.
Meanwhile, multi-event star Katarina Johnson-Thompson makes her return to the global stage in Tokyo as the reigning world heptathlon champion. After a series of injury setbacks in recent years, Johnson-Thompson silenced her critics with a superb victory in Budapest, reclaiming her position at the top of the sport. Her journey back to the pinnacle has been one of resilience and determination, and she now arrives in Tokyo with renewed confidence.
At 32, Johnson-Thompson represents both experience and inspiration within the team, and her presence will be invaluable for the younger athletes making their championship debuts.
Beyond the big names, Team GB’s selection also features a blend of emerging talents and seasoned campaigners, reflecting the depth of British athletics. Athletes such as Dina Asher-Smith, Zharnel Hughes, and Matthew Hudson-Smith are also expected to feature prominently, with medal prospects across the sprints, middle distances, and relays. The squad has been carefully assembled to balance proven medal winners with those on the cusp of a breakthrough at the highest level.
Performance director Stephen Maguire highlighted the significance of having reigning global champions in the squad. “The inclusion of Keely, Josh, and Katarina shows the calibre of athletes we are bringing to Tokyo,” he said. “They have proven themselves on the world stage, and their leadership will be vital in helping the entire team perform to their best. We are aiming for our strongest championships yet.”
For Team GB, the World Championships in Tokyo represent not only an opportunity to win medals but also to set the tone ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. With Hodgkinson, Kerr, and Johnson-Thompson spearheading the charge, British athletics fans have every reason to be optimistic. The combination of youthful energy, seasoned experience, and proven champions places Britain in a strong position to challenge the world’s best and add to its growing legacy of success
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