TOKYO — While established superstars like Noah Lyles, Armand Duplantis, and Faith Kipyegon are expected to headline the World Championships, the event presents a perfect opportunity for new talent to emerge and challenge the sport’s established order. Here are five prospects who could steal the spotlight on the world stage.
Cooper Lutkenhaus (USA)
At just 16 years old, American teenager Cooper Lutkenhaus is set to become the youngest athlete to ever represent the United States at a World Championships. The high school sensation earned his spot in the highly competitive 800-meter field by finishing second at the US trials in a new under-18 world record time of 1:42.27. Now a professional with a contract from Nike, his coach, Chris Capeau, notes his calm demeanor. “He doesn’t make the bad or the good too high or too low,” Capeau told trackandfieldnews.com, a mindset that could serve him well against rivals with far more experience.
Niels Laros (NED)
Hailing from the Netherlands, 20-year-old Niels Laros is a formidable contender in the men’s 1500 meters. The “coming man” of middle-distance running, Laros arrives in Tokyo in prime form, having recently captured the Diamond League title. With Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen and defending world champion Josh Kerr facing questions over their form this season, Laros is well-positioned to capitalize. Despite being a versatile runner who could have competed in the 800m or 5000m, he has focused solely on the 1500m to maximize his chances of winning a medal.
Yaroslav Doroshchuk (UKR)
Ukraine’s Yaroslav Doroshchuk has a strong chance to become the first man from his country to win a high jump world title since 2013. The 24-year-old comes into the championships with a wave of momentum, including a victory at the Brussels Diamond League meet and a European Indoor gold medal. With a season that has constantly delivered positive results, Doroshchuk’s performance could provide a crucial morale boost to his compatriots back home. The only question mark is a recent knee injury he suffered earlier in the season. “The world championships are all I think about. I just want to compete there,” he told Suspilne Sports in July.
Audrey Werro (SUI)
Swiss 800-meter runner Audrey Werro, 21, is looking to make history by becoming the first Swiss woman to win a medal in the event at a World or Olympic final. The daughter of a Swiss father and an Ivorian mother, Werro has enjoyed an impressive transition from her junior career, which included two European Under-20 titles. Her winning time of 1:55.91 at the Zurich Diamond League meet was a new Swiss record and the second-fastest time in the world this season, behind only Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson. Despite her stellar form, her goal remains measured: “I want to make the final and then after that run my best and see what happens.”
Leyanis Perez (CUB)
Leyanis Perez has brought a new luster to Cuban women’s triple jump. The 23-year-old’s bronze at the 2023 World Championships ended a 14-year medal drought for the country in the event. She has since topped that achievement by winning the world indoor title this year and currently holds the world-leading mark for the season. To become the first Cuban to win the world title since Yargelis Savigne in 2009, she may have to overcome Venezuelan superstar and four-time champion Yulimar Rojas. Their rivalry is set to create a thrilling spectacle, with Perez ready to challenge the great champion.
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