After eight days of competition, 120 championship records and 38 new world records, the 2025 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships came to a close on Sunday.
Since March 22, more than 3,700 athletes from 98 countries called Alachua County their home as they competed for gold, silver and bronze medals.
“Alachua County truly surpassed all our expectations,” said WMA President Margit Jungman. “The championships they organized were nothing short of extraordinary, offering an unforgettable experience for athletes, families, friends, officials, and volunteers alike. With participants from nearly 100 countries, everyone was treated to an exceptional event, thanks to the outstanding organization.”
It was the first time the championship games were held in the United States.
The event concluded with 69 different nations earning medals. Athletes from the U.S. earned the most medals with 557, followed by Great Britain’s 93 and Germany’s 70.
Sunday final competitions
Sunday’s final day of competition saw a flurry of action, as over 100 races and events were decided.
Three world records were broken during the Men’s 400m finals, along with three championship records.
The world records were set by Jean-Louis Esnault (85-89), of France, who ran a 1:17.69; Roland Groger (60-64), of Germany, who ran a 55.35; and Tim Munnings (55-59), of The Bahamas, who ran a 52.82.
The championship records were set by Radnaa Tseren (90-94), of Mongolia, Contantin Andolini (35-39) and Milton Campbell (45-49), of Team USA’s runs of 1:32.94, 48.61 and 50.51. South Africa and Great Britain also won gold in the event.
Three more world records and championship records were broken in the Women’s 400m finals.
Edel Maguire (65-69), of Ireland, ran a 1:06.94. Janel Delaney (55-59), of Australia, ran a 59.66. Helen Hermustad (50-54), of Sweden, ran a 58.64.
The championship records belong to Sarah Roberts (75-79), of Great Britain, Karla Del Grand (70-74), of Canada, and Sue McDonald (60-64), of the U.S., with times of 1:21.58, 1:18.35 and 1:03.92.
In the Men’s 60m Hurdles, three championship records were set. From the U.S., Joseu Louis (35-39) and Micheal Jones (65-69) ran 7.86 and 9.51. Canada’s Ward Hazen (70-74) clocked 9.65.
In the Women’s 60m Hurdles, three more championship records were broken. Olutoyin Augustus (45-49), of Nigeria, ran an 8.60. Allison Murray (50-54) and Neringa Jakstiene (60-64), both from the U.S., led the way with times of 9.38 and 9.92.
In Indoor Jumps, the U.S.’s Flo Meiler (90-94) claimed her seventh gold medal and fifth world record of the week in the Triple Jump with a distance of 4.50m. Germany, Finland and Canada also stood atop the podium. In the Men’s Pole Vault, the U.S., Canada and Spain each won gold. Athletes from Sweden, Romania and Poland all picked up gold in the Long Jump.
In the Indoor Throws, the Czech Republic, Great Britain, Germany and Austria all won gold in Weighted Throw and Shot Put. Brazil, Lithuania, Mexico, Germany and the U.S. were able to capture silver and bronze.
At West End, Outdoor Throws saw six different nations win gold in Javelin, Discus and Hammer. Germany led the way with three, while U.S. athletes had two. Canada, Australia, Trinidad & Tobago and Ukraine also stood atop the podium. Nine countries won silver and bronze, including Sweden, Brazil, Great Britain, Poland, Paraguay, Colombia, France, Chile and the U.S.
“You know it didn’t rain all week,” said Jungman. “I guess (Sunday’s) rain is everyone crying because we have to leave."
Next year
The baton will now be passed to South Korea, which is hosting next year’s championships, beginning on Aug. 22, 2026, in Daegu. The 2027 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships are still in the process of choosing a host.
For more information and competition results, visit www.wmaci2025.com or contact the media liaison Seth Harp, at 251-281-5013 or info@wmaci2025.com.
