Jimmy Gressier Stuns with 10,000m Gold in Tokyo

Gressier finishes fast, wins World Championships 10,000m Gold

French runner Jimmy Gressier shocks the field with a stunning 10,000m win at the Tokyo World Championships, clocking in at 28:55.77.

“This is a child's dream come true. I always believed that an athlete, once he steps on the track, can achieve great things...”

Jimmy Gressier stunned the athletics world by claiming gold in the men's 10,000 meters at the Tokyo World Championships. The 28-year-old French runner expertly timed his sprint, overtaking Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha in the final meters to secure his first global title with a time of 28:55.77. This victory marks a significant milestone in Gressier's career, establishing him as a formidable force in long-distance running.

Gressier's win was unexpected, with many anticipating an Ethiopian dominance in the event. However, he navigated the challenging conditions and tactical racing to perfection, showcasing his exceptional finishing speed. Kejelcha, a former world silver medalist, took silver with a time of 28:55.83, while Sweden's Andreas Almgren claimed bronze in 28:56.02.

The race was characterized by a slow pace, with the field dawdling through the first kilometer in 3:16.68. Gressier's patience and strategic positioning allowed him to capitalize on Kejelcha's tactical error, surging past him in the final stretch. This win not only highlights Gressier's talent but also signals a new era in French athletics, following in the footsteps of legends like Kenenisa Bekele and Mo Farah.

Berihu Aregawi, a multiple global silver medalist, had his sights set on his first major gold medal. Yomif Kejelcha and Selemon Barega, with Barega being the 2021 Olympic champion, were also strong contenders. However, none of them anticipated Jimmy Gressier's remarkable speed burst on the home straight, which ultimately led to his stunning victory. Gressier outpaced the field, crossing the finish line in 28:55.77, with Kejelcha finishing 0.07 seconds behind in 28:55.83, and Sweden's Andreas Almgren claiming bronze in 28:56.02.

Gressier's win marked a historic moment, becoming the first non-African-born man to claim a global 10,000m title since Alberto Cova in 1983. The Frenchman's victory was met with surprise and jubilation, as he overcame a competitive field, including top Ethiopian runners. After the race, Gressier expressed his elation, stating, “This is a child's dream come true. I always believed that an athlete, once he steps on the track, can achieve great things.”

Jimmy Gressier made history by winning the men's 10,000 meters in 28:55.77, edging out Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha by a mere 0.07 seconds. Andreas Almgren of Sweden secured the bronze medal with a time of 28:56.02. This victory marks a significant milestone, as Gressier became the first European to claim the title since Mo Farah's wins in 2013, 2015, and 2017. Notably, Italian athlete Alberto Cova pioneered European dominance in this event, winning the inaugural world championship title in 1983 with a time of 28:01.04.

Kenya's Edwin Kurgat attempted to accelerate the pace through the halfway mark of the 25-lap race, but his surge wasn't enough to break the pack apart. The runners remained bunched up as American Grant Fisher took the lead, adopting a slower pace. As the race progressed, Andreas Almgren of Sweden took the lead with four laps remaining. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian athletes strategically positioned themselves at the heart of the pack, conserving their energy for a final push.

What. Just. Happened.

France's Jimmy Gressier takes the men's 10,000m title with an insane final sprint. 🇫🇷 #WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/k5ZIxTSZFn

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) September 14, 2025

The men's 10,000m final was marked by tactical racing, with many athletes reluctant to take the lead. This strategy ultimately played out in the final lap, where Jimmy Gressier of France produced a stunning burst of speed to overtake Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha and claim the gold medal in 28:55.77. Kejelcha secured silver with a time of 28:55.83, while Almgren took bronze with a time of 28:56.02.

As the race entered its final stretch, Andreas Almgren accelerated with 800m remaining, sparking intense jostling among the athletes for optimal positioning. Selemon Barega, Berihu Aregawi, and Yomif Kejelcha remained closely grouped as they approached the final lap. In the final 150 meters, Grant Fisher reacted to Kejelcha's surge, but it was Jimmy Gressier who seized the opportunity, bursting through the field from an unexpected position to claim a stunning victory. Overcome with emotion, Gressier celebrated his historic win in tears, clearly shocked by his achievement.