LSU Alumni Shine in Tokyo: Eight Former Tigers Among 2025 World Athletics Champs Lineup
Eight former LSU athletes will be competing at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, bringing prestige, experience, and medal-hope to the meet. From explosive sprinters to world-record pole vaulters and field stars, these Tigers who once starred in Baton Rouge are now representing their countries on sport’s biggest stage.
LSU’s Presence in the Global Field
The Tokyo championships run from September 12–21 at Japan National Stadium, where over 2,000 athletes from nearly 200 countries will compete. Among them are eight former LSU Tigers: Thelma Davies, Mondo Duplantis, Natoya Goule-Toppin, JuVaughn Harrison, Jake Norris, Vernon Norwood, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Claudio Romero. In addition, Rosemary Chukwuma, who trains with LSU’s Tiger Olympians group, will compete for Nigeria. LSU is making its mark through its alumni in multiple disciplines.
Prize money is set to be significant: World Athletics is awarding US$70,000 to gold medalists in the 49 events.
Iconic Former Tigers: What They Bring to the Meet
Here’s a closer look at some of the standout Tiger alumni headed to Tokyo, what they're known for, and what to watch from them.
Mondo Duplantis (Sweden) — Pole Vault Phenom
Mondo Duplantis has long been one of the most dominant pole vaulters in history. He broke world records while at LSU, won NCAA titles, SEC championships, and has held the world height standard outdoors and indoors. In Tokyo, expect him to be a strong gold medal favorite, given his consistency in hitting marks well over 6 meters.
Sha’Carri Richardson (USA) — Sprint Firepower
Known for her explosive starts and raw speed, Sha’Carri brings intensity to the 100m and 4×100m relay events. LSU played a part in her collegiate sprint development, and she remains a marquee name whenever she competes. Eyes will be on her performance in heats and rounds, especially against stiff competition.
JuVaughn Harrison (USA) — High Jump & Long Jump Versatility
Harrison is a rare dual-event star: excelling both in high jump and long jump. His athleticism, adaptability, and history of big leaps past expectations make him one to watch in qualifying rounds and finals alike. LSU’s program helped shape him into a powerful force in horizontal and vertical jumps.
Natoya Goule-Toppin (Jamaica) — Middle-Distance Steadiness
Goule-Toppin brings endurance, experience, and a steady hand in the 800m. She is expected to navigate the tactical rounds and push for finals, carrying Jamaica’s hopes in the middle distances. Her LSU ties during her collegiate career laid groundwork for competitive discipline.
Vernon Norwood (USA) — Relay & 400m Strength
Vernon is well-known for his 400m flat speed and relay experience. In Tokyo he'll contribute both individually and in team relays. LSU’s sprint and relay workshops have always been strong, and Norwood’s consistency makes him a reliable figure during rounds leading up to finals.
Claudio Romero (Chile) — Rising Discus Threat
Romero carries Chile’s hopes in the discus throw. While LSU may not have been his only training ground, his time within the environment helps bring technical growth. Expect him to challenge in qualifiers and possibly shake up expected medal counts.
Jake Norris (Great Britain) — Hammer Power
A specialist in hammer throw, Norris has thrown distances that mark him as one of the world’s more dangerous field event contenders. In Tokyo, he’ll try to build on his previous international experiences. LSU’s emphasis on strength, conditioning, and technique has likely helped him develop the power needed for podium-level throws.
Thelma Davies (Liberia) — Sprinting Ambition
Davies competes in the 100m for Liberia and is part of the Tigers alumni representing smaller nations on the world stage. Her speed in heats and capacity to push into the semis/finals offers a narrative of growth. While she may face world-class competition, her LSU foundation may support composure and progression.
What to Watch and Why It Matters
Depth of competition: These LSU alumni cover a broad range of disciplines—sprints, middle distance, jumps, throws—highlighting the breadth of talent produced by LSU’s track & field program.
Medal potential vs breakthrough stories: Duplantis likely carries gold expectations. Others may be seeking personal bests, national records, or semifinal/final appearances that could position them for bigger future successes.
International representation: With athletes representing multiple countries, it underscores how LSU's training and coaching crosses borders, contributing to global athletics, not just US-centric results.
Prize stakes and pressure: With World Athletics offering significant prize money for gold across the 49 events, stakes are higher than ever. For many of these athletes, performance in Tokyo could impact sponsorships, career momentum, and national recognition.
The LSU legacy continues to be felt in Tokyo. These former Tigers are not just names on a roster—they represent generational training, institutional excellence, and individual ambition. Fans will be watching closely as they chase podiums, personal bests, and moments that stretch beyond collegiate fame.
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