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Who will come out on top in 2025? This article explores the top track and field rivalries set to dominate the season.
Another year, another moment for fans to enjoy showdowns between their favourite athletes with their rivals and this article will outline the top track and field rivalries to watch out for in 2025.
From the sprints to the distances, every athlete will be chasing redemption especially those who had a rough 2024 season. The likes of Shericka Jackson, who painfully missed the Paris Olympic Games will be eyeing a strong comeback in 2025, meaning, Gabby Thomas should be careful.
Gudaf Tsegay is also one of the victims of a disastrous 2024 season and the Ethiopian distance sensation will be looking to stun the Kenyan duo of Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon. The 2025 season will present an opportunity for everyone to redeem themselves and those who shone in 2024 will not be willing to let their titles go.
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19:13 - 12.12.2024
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It will indeed be an interesting season with rivalries being renewed and promise to showcase electrifying performances as some of the fiercest competitors toe the lines once again. Fans should expect thrilling head-to-head matchups as the top athletes battle for supremacy.
1) Noah Lyles vs Letsile Tebogo
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Triple world champion Noah Lyles lost the 200m Olympic title to Letsile Tebogo at the Paris Olympic Games and this year, he will be out to compensate on that by winning every 200m race he competes in.
Lyles revealed that he had COVID hence the loss but it will be forever noted that he was beaten at the 2024 Olympic Games, something that still haunts him. He took a bronze medal, again. He is the defending champion at the World Championships and in Tokyo, Japan, he hopes to defend his title.
But with the rising competition levels, Noah Lyles will have his work cut out, facing opposition from Letsile Tebogo and other formidable 200m runners including Erriyon Knighton and Kenny Bednarek.
2) Noah Lyles vs Oblique Seville vs Kishane Thompson
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Kishane Thompson made his first national team at the Paris Olympic Games and inexperience cost him a gold medal but as he heads to the 2025 season, he is wiser and knows better. Oblique Seville, Noah Lyles’ serial rival, also stumbled at the Olympics and he will be looking to clinch his first global medal in 2025.
This means Noah Lyles not only has a point to prove in the 200m but also the 100m with the Jamaican duo going after him and looking to bring back the glory to Jamaica.
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07:00 - 19.12.2024
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He will have a rough time as he eyes defense in both the 100m and the 200m at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan but if he blinks first, everything will be his.
3) Faith Kipyegon vs Gudaf Tsegay vs Beatrice Chebet
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Faith Kipyegon has been untouchable in the 1500m and 5000m, winning gold and silver respectively at the Paris Olympic Games. On her part, Beatrice Chebet has also proven to be one of the greatest 5000m and 10,000m runners and 2024 was her best season, just yet.
Chebet won god in the 5000m and 10,000m at the Paris Olympic Games and even shattered the 10,000m world record at the Prefontaine Classic. The world 5000m bronze medallist has yet to win a gold at the World Championships and will be looking to achieve the feat in 2025.
However, the duo now has a threat who suffered immense losses in 2024 despite pushing to the limits. She has been working hard in training with the hope to make a resounding comeback and take glory back to Ethiopia. The trio has ambitious goals in 2025 and as they look forward to break records and win titles, their rivalry is expected to heat up again in 2025.
4) Jakob Ingebrigtsen vs Josh Kerr
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In this scenario, Jakob Ingebrigtsen has a point to prove after missing out on a medal in the 1500m at the Paris Olympic Games. Josh Kerr also beat the Norwegian at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Now, Jakob Ingebrigtsen seeks redemption in 2025. This rivalry is not one to be missed since both athletes have proven to be ready for 2025 and as the season start awaits, fans should be treated to one of the most exciting 1500m races.
5) Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone vs Femke Bol
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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has been dominant in the 400m hurdles setting world records with Femke Bol despite her prowess, being on the sidelines. The Dutchwoman now looks to also make a mark in 2024, whether it will be winning a race against Sydney or even setting a world record.
Their head-to-head matchups in 2025 will be must-watch races since they both have the prowess and having been defeated in 2024, Femke Bol looks forward to defend her world title and also cement herself as a formidable 400m hurdles runner.
6) Sha’Carri Richardson vs Julien Alfred
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Julien Alfred has yet to win a world title outdoor and hopes her moment will be at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan where she intends to dethrone Sha’Carri Richardson.
After beating the American at the Paris Olympic Games and the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels, Julien Alfred has all the confidence she needs to impress in Tokyo late this season. Their anticipated rematches in 2025 could produce some of the fastest times in history.
7) Shericka Jackson vs Gabby Thomas
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Shericka Jackson was out of the Paris Olympic Games due to an injury and even though most might not admit it, it was a field day for Gabby Thomas who cruised to a gold medal before a sold-out stadium at the Stade de France.
Now, Shericka Jackson comes back in 2025 after the devastating 2024 and she is looking forward to make up for last season. The reigning world 200m champion looks forward to defend her title among other things.
Gabby Thomas on the other hand, will also be eyeing a world title and renewing rivalry with Shericka Jackson will be exciting for fans to watch. The women’s 200m will also be one for the books in 2025.
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