Story behind design of Tokyo World Championships medals

The countdown has officially begun for the 20th edition of the World Athletics Championships, set to take place in Tokyo, Japan in just under 100 days. The event kicks off on Saturday, 13 to Sunday, 21 September 2025.

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To mark this milestone, the Local Organising Committee (WCH Tokyo 25) has unveiled the official gold, silver, and bronze medals that will be awarded to the world’s top athletes come September. The medals are works of art, storytelling, and ambition.

They carry a deeper meaning achieved through a unique, collaborative process.

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Inspired by the voices of Japan’s junior and high school athletics stars and shaped through extensive dialogue with young athletes and expert designers, the medals aim to reflect not just the achievement of winning, but the powerful journey it takes to get there.

Front Design:

The front of the medal features sweeping, dynamic stripes that extend beyond the original boundaries of the WCH Tokyo 25 logo.

Tokyo’s city code, “TYO,” is stylised to resemble an athletics track. This is a bold symbol of momentum, ambition, and growth.

An outer arc binds the design, representing global unity through sport.

Back Design:

The reverse side has a polished finish, acting as a mirror for each medalist – their first look at themselves as medal winners.

There is also a plate where their name will be engraved into the design. It’s a subtle but powerful message: “Your effort, your journey has all led to this moment”. This medal design puts the athlete at the heart of the medal, celebrating their achievement and dedication to athletics.

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Personalised for every champion

A dedicated space allows for engraving each champion’s name, their country’s three-letter code, and the event they conquered.

This engraving will be done inside the stadium, making the medal presentation a uniquely intimate and unforgettable moment.

Even the medal case tells a story. Crafted from locally sourced Tama wood, the case pays homage to Tokyo’s natural beauty and reflects the organisers’ strong commitment to sustainability.

Its tactile warmth and natural texture provide a grounding contrast to the shine of the medals themselves.

“These medals and their cases were created with passion and purpose. The involvement of young people, the use of local wood, and the symbolism in the design — everything comes together to deliver a powerful message to the world,” President of the Local Organising Committee of the World Athletics Championships, Mitsugi Ogata, said.

All medal ceremonies will be held at the newly unveiled Medal Plaza, located just outside the southern area of Japan National Stadium.

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Featuring a wood-themed aesthetic that complements the stadium’s architecture, the open-air plaza will offer an intimate setting for athletes and fans alike.

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