Marathon runner Alphonce Simbu
Several historic firsts were achieved at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, including the first ever World Championships medals for Samoa, St Lucia and Uruguay, and a first ever World Championships gold for Tanzania.
This letter series continues with a message from world marathon champion Alphonce Simbu to his nation, Tanzania.
Dear friends, supporters and athletics enthusiasts,
I am thrilled to celebrate a monumental achievement in Tanzanian sports history.
On 15 September, I clinched the gold medal in the men’s marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, becoming the first Tanzanian athlete ever to win a World Championships gold in any track and field event.
It was indeed a dramatic finish as I won by just 0.03 seconds. I was able to remain in contention throughout the race, conserving strength, and I mounted a final sprint as my competitor entered Tokyo’s National Stadium. It was a tactical burst that sealed my victory.
This win means a lot to our country and that moment symbolises national pride, showing that through perseverance, dedication and belief, greatness is possible.
Since 2015, when I participated in the World Championships for the first time in Beijing, I had a great desire to win gold after seeing the winner that day receive great honour. In 2017, I went to London and claimed the bronze medal. I gained courage and said that I would train hard so that in the next competition, I could win the gold. I participated in the World Championships in Doha in 2019 and finished 16th, and at the World Championships in Budapest in 2023 I could not finish, but I did not give up.
In 2025, I said I would start preparations early. Before going to Tokyo, I went to the Boston Marathon and finished second there. Thanks to my training, I had very high hopes of winning in Tokyo. A few days before the competition, I had a dream that I got second place, but I ignored that dream. After entering the Japan National Stadium, I remembered that dream again. At that time, the race was down to three athletes, and I was in third place. I said no, I want to win gold.
I was determined not to give up until the end of the race. I increased my speed and beat Amanal Petros at the finish line.
I was very happy because it had been 10 years since I started chasing the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships and I made history as the first Tanzanian to achieve it.
Beyond personal glory, this triumph inspires aspiring athletes in Tanzania and across Africa, reminding us that the world stage is within reach.
I wish to give credit to my coach, supporting staff and all those whose work behind the scenes contributed to this victory, including the athletes, fans and Tanzanians everywhere for their encouragement, pride and solidarity.
Looking ahead, this win is not an endpoint, but a launching pad. I believe that my performance in Tokyo will open doors for new invitations, sponsorships and opportunities to compete at the highest level for athletes in Tanzania, and that the sport’s growth will pick up gradually.
Alphonce Felix Simbu
