In the world of track and field, few events have more global appeal or prestige than the World Athletics Championship. Organised by the sport’s world governing body, World Athletics (formerly known as the International Association of Athletics Federations), it is the highest level of senior outdoor competition for track and field, marathon running and race walking athletes.

Held every two years, the World Athletics Championship is a true test of the finest athletes’ physical prowess and mental strength. The event features 12 track and eight field events for both men and women, plus a mixed 4x400m relay. Middle and long distances – including the 800m, 1500m, 5,000m and 10,000m – test runners’ ability to maintain a consistent pace over several laps of the stadium circuit, while sprinting events – including the 100m and 110m hurdles – demand speed and agility. Jumps – the high jump, long jump and triple jump – demonstrate an extraordinary ability to propel themselves through the air, while a marathon and 20km and 35km race walks are classic tests of endurance.

Great Britain’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson was one of the many stars to shine at the last World Athletics Championship in Budapest, securing a second title in the heptathlon despite suffering injury in recent years. Other gold medallists included Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis, who won pole vault for the first time at a World Championship with a clearance of 6.21 metres. The finals took place at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest from 19 to 27 August, with 404,088 fans filling the arena over the course of nine days creating an electric atmosphere and helping produce some spellbinding performances.