Tokyo World Athletics Championships 2025: Tara Davis-Woodhall, Malaika Mihambo, and Larissa Iapichino Set for Long Jump Showdown

By: Denise N. Fyffe

The women’s long jump at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling events of the meet, with Olympic champions, world title holders, and rising stars all vying for supremacy on the global stage.

Tara Davis-Woodhall: America’s Golden Star

Fresh off her Olympic triumph in Paris with a leap of 7.10m, Tara Davis-Woodhall arrives in Tokyo as the woman to beat. The US jumper, known for her explosive runway speed and charismatic presence, also claimed the world indoor title in Glasgow 2024, cementing her status as one of the sport’s brightest stars.

Her 2025 season has been near flawless. Davis-Woodhall claimed the US national title in Eugene with a world-leading jump of 7.12m, then carried that form onto the Diamond League circuit, winning in Stockholm (7.05m) and Eugene (7.07m). Now, she turns her attention to Tokyo with one clear goal: her first world outdoor gold medal, two years after earning silver behind Ivana Španović in Budapest 2023.

Malaika Mihambo: The Veteran Champion

Germany’s Malaika Mihambo, already regarded as one of the greatest long jumpers of her generation, will look to add another chapter to her glittering career. Mihambo owns two world outdoor titles (Doha 2019 – 7.30m, Eugene 2022 – 7.12m), an Olympic gold from Tokyo 2021, and most recently, the Olympic silver medal in Paris 2024 (6.98m).

This season, Mihambo has once again shown consistency and brilliance, winning the European title in Rome with a staggering 7.22m, the second-best mark in German history. She also won at the London Diamond League with 6.93m and finished runner-up to Davis-Woodhall in Eugene (7.01m). Her experience and championship pedigree make her Davis-Woodhall’s toughest rival.

Larissa Iapichino: Italy’s Rising Sensation

Italy’s Larissa Iapichino has rapidly grown into one of the most consistent long jumpers in the world. In 2024, she secured European indoor gold (6.94m), European outdoor silver in Rome (6.94m), and finished fourth at the Paris Olympics.

In 2025, she has continued her rise, capturing her second Diamond League title in Zurich with 6.93m, narrowly edging Mihambo by just one centimeter. With six Diamond League victories already under her belt, Iapichino has shown she can beat the very best on her day. Tokyo offers her the chance to claim her first global outdoor medal.

Claire Bryant: A New American Contender

The United States will also field Claire Bryant, who has quickly emerged as a force in the discipline. Bryant captured the world indoor title in Nanjing 2025 and placed third at the US Championships with 6.97m. Her presence adds depth to an already dominant US team, and she could well spring a surprise in Tokyo.

Other Athletes to Watch

Annik Kälin (Switzerland): A combined events specialist with remarkable versatility, Kälin has already collected silver medals at the European Indoor Championships (Apeldoorn) and the World Indoor Championships (Nanjing). She will aim for a strong showing in her first global long jump final.
Hilary Kpatcha (France): The French star is another dark horse, with strong 2025 results including second place in Chorzow (6.83m) and podium finishes in London (6.86m) and Zurich (6.76m). Her consistency makes her a threat to the more established names.

A Battle of Legends and New Stars

The Tokyo 2025 women’s long jump final is more than just a clash of distances—it’s a collision of legacies. Davis-Woodhall’s dazzling form and Olympic gold put her at the forefront, Mihambo’s experience and pedigree keep her firmly in contention, and Iapichino’s rise signals the arrival of a new European star. Add Bryant, Kälin, and Kpatcha to the mix, and the event promises to be one of the most dramatic battles of the championships.

Fans in Tokyo should brace for a contest where every centimeter will count—and history could once again be rewritten in the sand pit.

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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.