Tokyo World Athletics Championships 2025: In Women’s Discus Throw Allman, Feng, and Perez Set for Clash in Tokyo

By: Denise N. Fyffe

Double Olympic champion Valarie Allman is the undisputed favorite in Tokyo as she seeks the first world title of her career—the only major accolade missing from her decorated résumé. Allman has already secured two Olympic golds (Tokyo 2021 – 68.98m, Paris 2024 – 69.50m), as well as silver at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene (68.30m) and bronze in Budapest 2023 (69.23m).

This season, Allman has been in unstoppable form, completing a perfect Diamond League campaign with six victories: Xiamen (68.95m), Keqiao (70.08m), Rome (69.21m), Paris (67.56m), Eugene (70.68m), and the Final in Zurich (69.18m). The American has now claimed five consecutive Diamond Trophies. She also captured the US title in Eugene with 71.45m and set the North American record at 73.52m, the farthest throw in the world since 1989. Allman enters Tokyo as the woman to beat.

Yaimé Pérez: Veteran Challenger

Cuba’s Yaimé Pérez, the 2019 world champion in Doha, remains a formidable presence in the event. Pérez recorded a seasonal best of 67.25m in Fleetwood and finished third at the Diamond League in Zurich with 66.08m. With her experience and championship pedigree, she will look to add another global medal to her career tally.

Sandra Elkasevic: Legendary Competitor Still in the Mix

Croatia’s Sandra Elkasevic (formerly Perković) is one of the greatest discus throwers in history, with two Olympic titles (2012, 2016), two world titles (2013, 2017), seven European gold medals, and six Diamond League crowns. This season, she threw a best of 66.97m at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene and placed third in Zurich (65.10m). While no longer as dominant as in her prime, Elkasevic remains a dangerous contender in any major final.

Laulauga Tausaga: Defending World Champion

Reigning world champion Laulauga Tausaga of the US will defend the crown she won in Budapest 2023 with a massive 69.43m. Although she finished second in Eugene this year with 64.86m, Tausaga has proven she can rise to the occasion on the biggest stages and will aim to do so again in Tokyo.

Bin Feng: Consistency at the Top Level

China’s Bin Feng continues to establish herself among the world’s elite. Feng’s résumé includes the 2022 world title in Eugene (69.12m), bronze in Budapest 2023 (68.20m), and Olympic silver in Paris 2024 (67.51m). With her strong championship consistency, she is a prime candidate to reach the podium once again.

Jorinde Van Klinken: Rising Dutch Star

The Netherlands’ Jorinde Van Klinken is chasing her first world medal. She finished second at the Zurich Diamond League Final with 67.15m and also claimed two European silver medals in Rome 2024—in both discus and shot put. With her growing versatility and top-tier performances, Van Klinken is poised to break through on the global stage.

Melina Robert-Michon: A Historic 11th Appearance

French veteran Melina Robert-Michon is set to equal the record for the most appearances at the World Championships (11). Over her long career, she has won two silver medals—at the 2013 Worlds in Moscow and the 2016 Olympics in Rio—alongside a bronze at the 2017 World Championships in London. While no longer a favorite, her presence in Tokyo adds both depth and history to the competition.

A Clash of Eras and Styles

The women’s discus throw in Tokyo will showcase a mix of dominant modern stars like Allman and Feng, resurgent veterans like Pérez and Elkasevic, and rising challengers like Van Klinken. With Allman chasing history and others fighting for their share of glory, fans can expect one of the most highly competitive and technically brilliant finals of the Championships.

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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.