Tokyo World Athletics Championships 2025: Katie Moon Leads Star-Studded Women’s Pole Vault Field

By: Denise N. Fyffe

The women’s pole vault at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships promises to be one of the most electrifying contests of the meet. With defending champion Katie Moon looking to extend her dominance, and challengers like Sandi Morris, Molly Caudery, and Angelica Moser surging into form, fans can expect a dramatic showdown at the bar.

Katie Moon: Defending Champion with Tokyo Memories

American superstar Katie Moon heads to Tokyo with history on her side. A two-time defending world champion (Eugene 2022 – 4.85m, Budapest 2023 – 4.90m), Moon will be aiming for her third consecutive world outdoor crown.

Tokyo has already proven a lucky city for Moon—she won the Olympic gold medal here in 2021 with a clearance of 4.90m. This season, she continued to show her consistency, capturing her second Diamond League title in Zurich with 4.82m and adding three more victories in Rabat, Paris (both 4.73m), and Brussels, where she posted a seasonal best of 4.85m.

With her calm under pressure and unmatched ability to peak at major championships, Moon enters Tokyo as the favorite.

Sandi Morris: A Veteran With Eyes on Gold

Fellow American Sandi Morris, a two-time world indoor champion (2018, 2022) and Olympic silver medalist, remains one of the fiercest competitors in the field.

This year, Morris secured Diamond League wins in Rome (4.80m) and Stockholm (4.82m), added the US national title in Eugene (4.83m), and finished runner-up to Moon in Zurich (4.75m). A proven championship performer, Morris will look to convert consistency into a long-awaited outdoor world gold.

Newcomer Spotlight: Hanna Moll

The rising star of the field is Hanna Moll, who will make her major championship debut. At just 19, Moll is already making headlines after winning the NCAA title in Eugene with 4.79m. Earlier this season, she set a personal best of 4.81m in Indianapolis and cleared 4.73m at the US Championships. Many consider her one of the brightest prospects in American track and field, and Tokyo could mark her breakthrough on the global stage.

Molly Caudery: Britain’s Golden Hope

British athlete Molly Caudery enters Tokyo as the reigning world indoor champion, having thrilled home fans in Glasgow in 2024. She has been in superb form this season, clearing 4.85m twice—at the World Indoor Tour in Madrid and at the British Championships in Birmingham.

Caudery also showed consistency with strong performances in Beckum (4.80m) and the Brussels Diamond League (4.80m). With momentum on her side, she is a genuine contender for a podium finish.

Angelica Moser: Switzerland’s Medal Hope

Switzerland’s Angelica Moser is another vaulter arriving in Tokyo in strong form. She captured the European outdoor title in Rome 2024 (4.78m) and the European indoor crown in Apeldoorn 2025 (4.80m), alongside a world indoor bronze in Nanjing (4.70m).

Her outdoor season has been highlighted by a 4.80m clearance at the Swiss Championships in Frauenfeld, along with consistent jumps of 4.76m in Lucerne, 4.73m in London, and 4.65m in Zurich. Moser has proven she can deliver on the big stage and will look to add a world medal to her growing collection.

Tina Sutej: The Experienced Challenger

Slovenia’s Tina Sutej continues to be one of the most respected veterans in women’s pole vault. In 2025, she added two silver medals to her resume—at the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn and the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing. With her consistency and experience, she is well-positioned to challenge for another podium spot.

A Championship Too Close to Call

The Tokyo 2025 women’s pole vault final brings together a fascinating mix of veterans, champions, and rising stars. Katie Moon’s track record makes her the favorite, but with Morris’ determination, Caudery’s breakout form, Moser’s consistency, and Moll’s youthful fearlessness, the event could deliver surprises.

One thing is certain—the battle for gold in Tokyo will push these athletes to new heights, both literally and figuratively.

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About the writer: Denise N. Fyffe is a publisher and author for more than 15 years. She has written more than 70 books and enjoys mentoring, gardening and traveling. She is also a trainer and educator, helping others to achieve their dreams.