World Athletics Championship is the biennial event that gathers the best athletes in the world to compete for medals and, ultimately, the immortal title — World Champion. Since its inception in 1983, it has offered the planet’s preeminent runners, jumpers, throwers and race walkers the perfect platform to produce historic performances.

Last year’s edition, which was held in Eugene, Oregon, saw a number of thrilling and historic moments from Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon doing the 1500m-5000m double, US sprinters Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson getting their hands on five golds between them, and Italian showman Gianmarco Tambieri winning his third straight high jump title to a huge home crowd.

But there’s more to the championship than that, and it’s why it is one of the most prestigious events in track and field. The sport’s governing body, World Athletics (formerly IAAF), runs the championships along with a series of one-day track and field events throughout the year called the Diamond League, and selection for the championship is based on the highest world rankings across each discipline.

Canadian athletes have a strong history of success at the championships, and four gold medals were won in 2023. The current roster of athletes to represent Canada at the championships, which take place from Sept. 13-21 in Tokyo, includes Olympic medallists Gabriela DeBues-Stafford and Lucia Stafford in the 800m, Erin Friel in the women’s 4x400m, Ciaran Carthy in the men’s event and Sophie O’Sullivan in the 400m hurdles.