Jimmy Gressier Claims Historic Gold in Men's 10,000m at World Championships

On September 14, 2025, French athlete Jimmy Gressier achieved a remarkable victory in the men's 10,000 meters final at the World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo. Gressier's time of 28 minutes and 55.77 seconds not only secured him the gold medal but also marked him as the first non-East African man to win the world title in this event since its inception in 1983. This victory is significant as it highlights a shift in dominance in long-distance running, previously held by athletes from East Africa.

France 24

The race unfolded under challenging conditions, with temperatures reaching 28 degrees Celsius and humidity at 88 percent, which affected the runners' performance. Gressier strategically paced himself in the pack, waiting for the right moment to unleash his final sprint. As the race progressed, he executed a powerful kick in the last 50 meters, overtaking Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha, who finished just behind him with a time of 28:55.83. Sweden's Andreas Almgren claimed the bronze medal, clocking in at 28:56.02.

Kejelcha Wins Silver in 10,000m After Narrow Miss on Gold

Gressier's path to this championship was not without its challenges. He had previously contemplated switching to steeplechase due to frustrations with his performance in flat distance events. However, advice from Olympic 5,000m champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen helped him refine his training approach, allowing him to conserve mental energy for the final lap. Gressier expressed his elation, stating, “This is a child's dream come true. I always believed that an athlete, once he steps on the track, can achieve great things.”

The Straits Times

Despite Gressier's triumph, the race was not without its disappointments. Canadian runner Moh Ahmed withdrew from the race due to a calf injury sustained earlier in the season, which limited his performance. Ahmed's exit highlighted the physical toll that such high-stakes competitions can impose on athletes, particularly in extreme weather conditions.

Canada’s Moh Ahmed drops out of men’s 10,000m final

In the aftermath of the race, Gressier's victory was celebrated as a breakthrough for French athletics. He noted the significance of his win, especially in the context of the historical dominance of East African runners in long-distance events. Kejelcha, reflecting on the race, acknowledged that his team had controlled the race well until Gressier's late surge, expressing regret over not reacting sooner.

The Straits Times

Looking ahead, the World Athletics Championships will continue to showcase various events, with athletes like Gressier aiming to build on their successes. The competition remains fierce, as countries like Ethiopia and Kenya continue to produce elite distance runners, ensuring that future races will be highly competitive.

Gressier Stuns Kejelcha to Win Men’s 10,000m as Kenya’s Wait for Gold Continues

• “This is a child's dream come true,” — Jimmy Gressier, World Champion

The Straits Times

• “We had the race under control until the last lap.” — Yomif Kejelcha, Silver Medalist

The Straits Times

• “I decided that this season is my last one on the track and I badly wanted to finish my track career with a medal.” — Andreas Almgren, Bronze Medalist

The Straits Times