Star-Studded Kiwi Quartet Selected for 2025 World Athletics Championships

Athletics New Zealand is proud to announce the initial selection of four athletes for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The 2025 championships will take place from 13–21 September at the iconic Japan National Stadium — the venue that hosted the athletics programme during the 2020 Olympic Games. Featuring a line-up of Olympic champions, World Championship medallists, and some of the brightest names in global track and field.

Leading the way is Tom Walsh, fresh from claiming his third World Indoor Championship Shot Put title in Nanjing, China. Walsh, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist (2016 and 2020), won the outdoor World Championship crown in 2017 and earned a bronze in 2019. He remains a consistent force at the top of the sport, having placed fourth at both the 2022 and 2023 editions of the World Championships.

Joining him in the Shot Put arena are Maddison Wesche and Jacko Gill. Wesche, the 2024 Olympic silver medallist, continues her rapid rise with a personal best of 19.86m and a growing international reputation. Gill, a three-time Olympian and multiple-time Diamond League finalist, remains one of the world’s most consistent performers in men’s Shot Put.

Completing the formidable four-strong team is Hamish Kerr, New Zealand’s history-making high jumper. Kerr won New Zealand’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in men’s high jump at the 2024 Paris Games and recently added a World Indoor Championships silver medal to his achievements in Nanjing. With a personal best clearance of 2.36m, he is among the top contenders globally.

Athletics New Zealand CEO Cam Mitchell said the initial selections reflect the exceptional quality and depth of New Zealand athletics’ talent.

“We’re incredibly proud to have such world-class athletes representing New Zealand in Tokyo. This initial group not only brings experience and proven success on the biggest stages, but they continue to inspire future generations. We’re excited to see them take on the world once again in one of the most iconic venues for our sport.”

Further selections for the 2025 World Athletics Championships will be made as athletes meet the qualification standards and selection criteria throughout the coming months.