The track and field world is buzzing, and the head of the Portuguese Athletics Federation (FPA), Domingos Castro, isn’t shy about his expectations. He firmly believes the national team heading to the Tokyo 2025 World Championships will bring home medals. The major event runs from September 13 to 21, and the pressure is on. This optimism comes after a tough outing at Budapest 2023, where the team missed the podium for the fifth time and posted its lowest-ever score.
Castro’s conviction isn’t just wishful thinking. He told the Lusa news agency that the squad picked for Tokyo shows the athletes’ pure talent and hard work. He promised the federation would do everything to ensure a top-notch performance. While medals are certainly a goal, Castro sees them as more than just shiny objects. For him, they represent confidence, dedication, and the unique power of a sport that brings people together and lifts spirits.
This year’s World Championships will be the 20th edition held outdoors, and it’s a landmark event under Castro’s new leadership. Portugal is sending a record-breaking 32 athletes, a clear sign of their renewed ambition. Castro underlined the importance of mixing seasoned champions with fresh faces. Veterans like João Vieira, who at 49 years old is making his 14th World Championships appearance – a feat unheard of in the competition’s history – will compete alongside stars like Pedro Pichardo and Auriol Dongmo. They will share the stage with exciting young talents such as Mariana Machado and Pedro Afonso. This blend aims to balance wisdom and youthful drive.
Competitions of this size are incredibly important for building the nation’s athletics future, Castro explained. He said that big events are where memorable names are made, national heroes are born, and moments that become etched in sports history truly happen. These events offer hope, shape future plans, and foster collective pride. He pointed to Portugal’s rich history at the World Championships, with 23 medals in total. Seven of these were gold.
Rosa Mota kicked things off in the marathon at Rome 1987. Fernanda Ribeiro won the 10,000 meters and Manuela Machado took the marathon title, both in Gothenburg 1995. Carla Sacramento captured the 1,500 meters gold in Athens 1997. Nelson Évora soared to triple jump victory in Osaka 2007, and Inês Henriques triumphed in the 50km walk at London 2017. Most recently, Pichardo added another gold in the triple jump at Oregon 2022. Across 19 appearances, Portuguese athletes have also earned 16 other podium finishes, including seven silver medals and nine bronze.
Looking beyond Tokyo, Domingos Castro noted that these World Championships are just the first of three hugely significant events for athletics worldwide. Following Tokyo, the Mountain and Trail Running World Championships will take place in Canfranc from September 25 to 28. Then, the inaugural Paralympic World Championships will be held in New Delhi, India, from September 27 to October 5. It’s a busy time for the sport, and Portugal aims to be right in the thick of it all.