The world’s biggest indoor athletics spectacle of the year gets under way on 20 March in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland, bringing together Olympic champions, world record-holders and emerging talents for three days of high-intensity competition inside the arena.
A remarkable 12 defending champions from last year’s edition in Nanjing return to protect their crowns — a rare concentration of proven winners that promises world-class performances from the opening gun.
Among them is Britain’s explosive sprinter Jeremiah Azu, who stunned the field to take the men’s 60m title, while South Korea’s high-jump icon Woo Sang-hyeok aims to soar above his rivals once again.
Few athletes command more attention than pole vault superstar Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis. The Swedish world record-holder has redefined his event, regularly clearing heights never previously imagined and entering the championships as overwhelming favourite.
Italy’s teenage sensation Mattia Furlani, Cuba’s triple-jump powerhouse Andy Díaz Hernández, and New Zealand shot-put giant Tom Walsh also return as defending champions on the men’s side.
Women’s champions ready for another showdown
The women’s events are equally stacked.
Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu, known for her devastating finishing kick, defends the 3,000m crown, while Bahamas hurdler Devynne Charlton seeks to maintain her dominance in the 60m hurdles.
Australia’s Olympic medallist Nicola Olyslagers returns in the high jump, alongside France’s rising pole vault talent Marie-Julie Bonnin, Cuba’s triple jump star Leyanis Pérez Hernández, and Canada’s world champion shot putter Sarah Mitton.
Olympic and world champions deepen the field
The championships will also feature 11 individual gold medallists from the World Championships Tokyo 2025 and nine Olympic champions from Paris 2024, underscoring the event’s elite status.
Among the biggest names is Ukrainian high-jump world record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh, whose elegance and consistency have made her the dominant force in her event. Britain’s middle-distance star Keely Hodgkinson, Olympic 800m champion and one of the sport’s most recognisable faces, is also expected to draw major attention.