[World Athletics Championships] Men’s 10,000m: Winning Time Slower Than Japan High School Record, Internet Buzzes “Like a Different Sport”

French Runner’s Slow-Burn Victory in Men’s 10,000m Sparks Global Buzz

The roar of the crowd at Japan’s National Stadium still echoes in the minds of track fans worldwide. On September 14, 2025, during Day 2 of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the men’s 10,000m final delivered a race that was anything but ordinary. In a field stacked with endurance powerhouses, France’s Jimmy Gressier, 28, crossed the line first in 28:55.77 to claim gold.  But here’s the jaw-dropper: that winning time was slower than Japan’s high school record, set over two decades ago by a teenage sensation. Social media exploded with reactions ranging from disbelief to delight, turning this into one of the most talked-about moments of the championships.

Tokyo’s humid September air set the stage for a tactical masterclass rather than a blistering pace. With temperatures hovering around 28°C and humidity at a stifling 88%, runners opted for caution early on, checking each other and conserving energy for the inevitable late surge.  This wasn’t a race against the clock; it was a chess game on the track. Japanese athletes Mebuki Suzuki from Toyota Motor Corporation and Jun Kasai from Asahi Kasei briefly took the lead, injecting local excitement into the event and reminding everyone why hosting the championships in Tokyo feels so special. The home crowd’s cheers were electric, highlighting Japan’s deep-rooted passion for athletics, from school-level competitions to global stages.

Gressier, born on May 4, 1997, in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, has long been a rising star in European distance running.  He burst onto the scene with double gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m at the 2019 European Under-23 Championships, showcasing his versatility and grit.  His path to athletics wasn’t straightforward—starting as a footballer before switching to running in his teens—but it’s paid off in spades. In Tokyo, he outkicked Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who took silver in 28:55.83, in a thrilling sprint finish that had spectators on their feet.  This victory marks a rare triumph for a non-African athlete in the 10,000m, an event historically dominated by East African nations like Kenya and Ethiopia. The last time a European won world gold in this discipline? You’d have to go back decades, making Gressier’s win a beacon of diversity in the sport.

Compare that to the Japanese high school record: In 2004, Yuki Sato, then a senior, clocked an astonishing 28:07.39, a mark that still stands as a testament to Japan’s youth development programs.  Sato’s record came during a golden era for Japanese distance running, inspiring generations and underscoring how early talent spotting can shape national pride. In Tokyo 2025, the slow championship pace—nearly 50 seconds off Sato’s high school best—sparked debates about race strategy versus outright speed. Championships often prioritize medals over records, especially in grueling conditions, where survival and positioning trump personal bests.

Online, the buzz was immediate and varied. On platforms like X, fans shared their thoughts: “I thought it was a different sport at first with that slow start,” one user quipped, while another praised, “That final sprint was edge-of-your-seat stuff!”  Others celebrated the upset: “A non-African winner? That’s huge—props to Gressier for shaking things up.” These reactions reflect the global appeal of athletics, bridging cultures and sparking conversations from Paris cafes to Tokyo streets. In a world where sports can unite diverse audiences, this race highlighted resilience, strategy, and the joy of unexpected heroes.

As the championships continue through September 21, eyes are on how this tactical trend might influence upcoming events. For Japan, hosting its first World Athletics Championships since 2007 is a cultural milestone, blending tradition with modern spectacle. From cherry blossom-inspired venues to meticulous organization, it’s a nod to the country’s harmony of discipline and innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the winning time in the men’s 10,000m at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025?

Jimmy Gressier of France won with a time of 28:55.77, edging out Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha by just 0.06 seconds.

Why was the men’s 10,000m race so slow compared to records?

The pace was tactical due to hot and humid conditions (28°C and 88% humidity), leading runners to conserve energy for a sprint finish rather than pushing for fast times early on.

Who is Jimmy Gressier, and what makes his win significant?

Gressier is a 28-year-old French long-distance runner who transitioned from football to athletics. His gold is notable as it’s a rare victory for a non-African in an event often dominated by East Africans, marking a breakthrough for European distance running.

How did social media react to the men’s 10,000m final?

Reactions were mixed but enthusiastic—some fans were surprised by the slow pace, calling it “like a different sport,” while others loved the dramatic sprint and celebrated the upset win as inspirational.