After eight days of competition, 38 new World Records, and 120 new Championship Records the 2025 WMA Indoor Championships have come to a close. Since March 22^nd over 3,700 athletes from 97 nations have called Alachua County home as they competed for their country, their families and for one another.  

“Alachua County truly surpassed all our expectations,” said WMA President Margit Jungman.  “The Championship they organized was nothing short of extraordinary, offering an unforgettable experience for athletes, families, friends, officials, and volunteers alike. With participants from nearly 100 countries, everyone was treated to an exceptional event, thanks to the outstanding organization.”

The baton is now passed to South Korea. The 2026 WMA Championships are set to begin on August 22, 2026, in Daegu. The 2027 WMA Indoor Championships are still in the process of choosing a host. 

Sunday’s Final Day of competition saw a flurry of action as over 100 races and events were decided.     

The Men’s 400m Finals saw three World Records fall and three more Championship Records evaporate. Jean-Louis Esnault, M85, of France, ran a 1:17.69 to set a new World Record. Roland Groger, M60, of Germany, ran 55.35 and Tim Munnings, M55, of The Bahamas, ran 52.82 setting new World Records. Radnaa Tseren, M90, of Mongolia, Contantin Andolini, M35, and Milton Campbel M45 of Team USA’s times of 1:32.94, 48.61 and 50.51 all added new Championship Records. South Africa and Great Britain also won Gold in the event. 

The Women’s 400m Finals also has three World Records and three Championship Records fall at the mercy of six different nations. The World Records now belong to Edel Maguire W65 of Ireland, Janel Delaney W55 of Australia and Helen Hermustad W50 of Sweden. Their runs of 1:06.94, 59.66 and 58.64 are now World Record. Sarah Roberts W75 of Great Britain, Karla Del Grande W70 of Canada, and Sue McDonald W60 of Team USA, now hold Championship Records at 1:21.58, 1:18.35 and 1:03.92. 

In the Men’s 60m Hurdles three Championship Records were set. Team USA’s Joseu Louis M35 and Micheal Jones M65 ran 7.86 and 9.51 respectively. Canada’s Ward Hazen M70 clocked an impressive 9.65.   

In the Women’s 60m Hurdles three more Championship Records fell. Olutoyin Augustus W45 of Nigeria ran 8.60. Allison Murray W50 and Neringa Jakstiene W60 of Team USA, led the way with times of 9.38 and 9.92.  

In Indoor Jumps, Team USA’s Flo Meiler W90 claimed her seventh Gold Medal and fifth World Record of the week in the Triple Jump with a distance of 4.50m. Germany, Finland, and Canada also stood atop the podium. In the Men’s Pole Vault, Team USA, Canada and Spain all won Gold. Sweden, Romania and Poland all picked up Gold in the Long Jump.

In Indoor Throws, The Czech Republic, Great Britain, Germany and Austria all won Gold in Weighted Throw and Shot Put. Brazil, Lithuania, Mexico, Germany and Team USA were able to capture Silver and Bronze.

At West End, Outdoor Throws saw six different nations win Gold in Javelin, Discus and Hammer. Germany led the way with three. Team USA had two. Canada, Australia, Trinidad & Tobago and Ukraine also stood atop the podium. Nine countries won silver and bronze including, Sweden, Brazil, Great Britain, Poland, Paraguay, Colombia, France, Chile and the USA. 

“You know it didn’t rain all week,” said Jungman. “I guess today’s (Sunday) rain is everyone crying because we must leave.  

As the WMA’s wrapped up, 69 different nations found themselves on the podium. Team USA led the medal count with a total of 557, followed by Great Britain’s 93 and Germany’s 70.