Who Will Be Crowned World Indoor Champion?
Ronnie Baker, Jeremiah Azu and Akani Simbine (left to right)
The World Athletics Indoor Championships 2025 in Nanjing, China, are just around the corner, but as we go through the entry list we realise that some high-profile names will be absent this time. At last year’s Championship in Glasgow, Olympic Champion Noah Lyles faced 60m World Record Holder Christian Coleman — both are opting out this year. So does Jamaica’s top sprinter Kishane Thompson.
Why participation is low
There are several possible reasons for this. Travel to China is time-consuming and the event's scheduling — close to the inaugural Grand Slam meet in Jamaica — has led many sprinters to prioritise outdoor preparations. Also, the time zone difference will most likely affect TV audience in Europe and the Americas.
While some of the top names are sitting out, the athletes who have made the trip will have an exceptional opportunity to claim the world title!
Who are the favourites for Gold?
A 60m sprint final at world level is unpredictable, but let us take a look at the top ranked contenders and their Season’s Best:
Jeremiah Azu triumphed at the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands
Jeremiah Azu (GBR) – The reigning European Indoor Champion is in excellent shape right now, setting a personal best of 6.49s at the European Championships. Undefeated in 2025, he will be definitely be looking to medal at world stage. Azu recently relocated from Italy to the UK, “taking things to the beginning”.
Ronnie Baker will compete at his second World Indoor Championships after 2018
Ronnie Baker (USA) – The US favourite who holds a 6.40s PB is the Bronze Medalist of 2018. Few have expected Baker to return to previous levels, but he has been consistently fast this season. He ran a 6.50s in Ostrava which is the second fastest indoor time among the athletes on the entry list.
Akani Simbine competed in three Olympic 100m finals
Akani Simbine (RSA) – South Africa’s National Record Holder over the 100m has made his World Indoor debut this year. Simbine opened his indoor season with a solid 6.57s at ISTAF Berlin and his experience is unmatched by any of the athletes qualified for Nanjing. After he won an Olympic Silver Medal with South Africa’s 4x100 relay team at the Paris Olympics, he may be eyeing a world title at a single event.
Ibrahim Fuseini, African 4×100m Relay Champion
Ibrahim Fuseini (GHA) – The Ghanaian sprinter is in great form, running a 6.51s to win the Jarvis Scott Invite. Fuseini had a fantastic 2024 season, competing at the World Relay Championships in the Bahamas (39.59s) and at the Paris Olympics (38.62s DQ).
Barnabas Aggerh, African 4×100m Relay Champion
Barnabas Aggerh (GHA) – Another Ghanaian on the entry list, Aggerh ran an impressive 6.52 seconds at a meet in Tennessee. At the time, he held the leading 60 metres time of all collegiate athletes.
Lachlan Kennedy, the Down Under surprise
Lachlan Kennedy (AUS) – The 21-year-old Australian rose to fame early in the season after running 6.43s outdoors. Boasting a 100m PB of 10.03s, he is eyeing Australia’s National Record that currently stands at 9.93s. Certainly a windy 60 metres doesn’t compare to an indoor race, however, his 6.43 seconds rank him tenth on the all-time list that combines indoor and outdoor times.
Rohan Watson, 4×100 Relay World Bronze Medalist
Rohan Watson (JAM) – The fastest Jamaican in Nanjing won the 60 metres final at the Jamaican World Athletics Indoor Championships qualifier at GC Foster College, setting a new PB of 6.50s outdoors, just ahead of compatriot Nishion Ebanks.
Battle for the podium
With no clear favourite, the 60m final in Nanjing could deliver unpredictable results! Who do you see win the title? Leave a comment below the article!
