The Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships, set to kick off on September 13, 2025, at the iconic National Stadium, promises to be a global spectacle. With over 2,000 elite athletes from approximately 200 countries and regions converging on Japan, the event showcases the pinnacle of human athleticism. Powerhouses like the United States, which fielded more than 130 competitors at the previous Budapest edition in 2023 and clinched 29 medals including 12 golds, dominate the headlines. Japan itself sent over 70 athletes to that meet, highlighting the depth of talent in larger nations. Yet, amid the giants, stories of underdogs shine brightest—tales of perseverance from countries with just a single representative. One such narrative comes from the tiny African island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, embodied by sprinter Gorete Semedo.
In a world where athletics often favors well-resourced programs, Semedo’s participation underscores the universal spirit of sport. Competing in the women’s 100m via the universality place—a system that ensures at least one athlete per nation can qualify even without meeting standard times—her story is one of cultural pride, personal grit, and global representation. As we delve into her journey, we’ll explore the enchanting backdrop of her homeland, her athletic achievements, and the broader impact of her challenge at Tokyo 2025.
Unveiling São Tomé and Príncipe: Africa’s Hidden Gem
Nestled in the Gulf of Guinea off Central Africa’s west coast, the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe is a volcanic archipelago that captivates with its raw beauty and rich heritage. Comprising two main islands—São Tomé and Príncipe—along with several smaller islets, the country spans just 964 square kilometers, roughly 1.5 times the size of Tokyo’s 23 wards, and is home to around 201,800 people. Its equatorial location blesses it with lush tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, and a biodiverse ecosystem teeming with endemic species like the São Tomé ibis and giant sunbird. The islands’ volcanic origins, dating back 30 million years, create dramatic landscapes with peaks like Pico de São Tomé rising to 2,024 meters, offering hikers breathtaking views of mist-shrouded forests and turquoise waters.
Historically, these islands were uninhabited until Portuguese explorers arrived in the 1470s, transforming them into a hub for sugar, coffee, and cocoa plantations. By the early 20th century, São Tomé and Príncipe earned the moniker “Chocolate Islands” for producing some of the world’s finest cacao, which remains a cornerstone of the economy today. High-quality organic cocoa, along with fishing in the nutrient-rich coastal waters, sustains many communities. Despite economic challenges, including reliance on imports for 90% of food needs, the nation is diversifying through eco-tourism. Visitor numbers have grown from 8,000 in 2010 to nearly 35,000 in 2019, drawn by activities like snorkeling among marine turtles, exploring colonial-era roças (plantations), and savoring local cuisine featuring fresh seafood, breadfruit, and spice-infused dishes.
Culturally sensitive travel here means respecting the blend of African and Portuguese influences evident in music like the rhythmic socopé and ússua, or festivals such as the dramatic Tchiloli theater. With a predominantly Christian population and a reputation for warmth and hospitality, São Tomé and Príncipe offers an authentic escape for intrepid explorers seeking sustainable adventures away from mass tourism crowds. As one of Africa’s least-visited destinations, it’s a reminder that true gems often lie off the beaten path.
Gorete Semedo: The Sprinter Breaking Barriers
At the heart of São Tomé and Príncipe’s athletic story is 28-year-old Gorete Borges Tavares Semedo, born on October 5, 1996. Specializing in the 100m and 200m, with forays into the 60m and even 400m, Semedo has become a national icon. Her career highlights include competing at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest and the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she served as her country’s flag bearer in the women’s 100m under the universality framework. This mechanism promotes inclusivity, allowing athletes from underrepresented nations to participate and gain experience on the global stage.
Semedo’s personal bests are impressive: 11.27 seconds in the 100m (set on June 14, 2025, a national record), 23.19 in the 200m (May 18, 2024, also NR), and 7.27 in the 60m indoors (February 28, 2025, NR). These times place her at #149 in the world for the 100m and #427 for the 200m, a remarkable feat for an athlete from a resource-scarce background. In interviews, she’s shared her multifaceted life, from modeling in a local telecom campaign to her relentless pursuit of self-improvement. “Updating my personal best is my biggest goal,” she told French media RFI in July 2024, embodying the drive that propelled her to victory in her Olympic preliminary heat.
Overcoming Challenges: Training Abroad and Homegrown Determination
Like many athletes from small island nations, Semedo faces significant hurdles at home. São Tomé and Príncipe lacks advanced track facilities, forcing top talents to train overseas. In 2019, a scholarship took her to Portugal’s Jamor National Sports Center, where she honed her skills. She later joined SL Benfica in Lisbon before moving to Atlético da Póvoa de Varzim in northern Portugal in October 2023. This nomadic path reflects the broader struggles of developing athletics programs in Africa, yet it hasn’t dimmed her passion.
Beyond the track, Semedo’s story resonates culturally. In a 2023 interview with local media STP Digital, she discussed her versatility across sprint distances and her role as a community role model. Her Instagram, with over 5,700 followers, showcases her as an “Olympic athlete and national record holder,” blending athletic prowess with advocacy for sports and physical education. Importantly, despite viral rumors during the Paris Games suggesting she was the country’s Minister of Sports and Tourism, Semedo has clarified these as false, focusing instead on her athletic identity.
The Bigger Picture: Putting São Tomé and Príncipe on the Map
For a nation like São Tomé and Príncipe, where football reigns supreme but athletics is emerging, Semedo’s runs at Tokyo 2025 transcend medals. Each time her country’s name echoes in the stadium, it serves as a powerful “existence proof,” boosting national pride and potentially sparking interest in tourism and investment. As the championships unfold from September 13 to 21, 2025, with events like the 100m heats drawing global eyes, Semedo’s participation highlights the inclusivity of world athletics. It’s a reminder that sport unites us, bridging divides between superpowers and small islands.
In an era where stories of resilience captivate audiences, Gorete Semedo’s journey from the Chocolate Islands to Tokyo’s track is one to watch. Whether she shatters records or simply inspires, her presence ensures São Tomé and Príncipe’s flag flies high.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is São Tomé and Príncipe known for?
São Tomé and Príncipe is renowned for its high-quality cocoa production, earning it the nickname “Chocolate Islands.” It’s also famous for stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, biodiversity, and eco-tourism opportunities like hiking and marine turtle watching.
Who is Gorete Semedo, and what are her achievements?
Gorete Semedo is a 28-year-old sprinter from São Tomé and Príncipe, holding national records in the 100m (11.27s), 200m (23.19s), and 60m (7.27s). She competed in the 2023 World Championships, 2024 Paris Olympics as flag bearer, and is set for Tokyo 2025.
When and where is the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships?
The event runs from September 13 to 21, 2025, at Japan’s National Stadium in Tokyo, featuring over 2,000 athletes in track and field disciplines.
How does the universality place work in athletics?
The universality place allows one athlete per gender from nations without qualifiers to participate in major events like the Olympics or World Championships, promoting global inclusivity and development in the sport.
