Katarina Johnson-Thompson produced one of the most emotional moments of the World Championships in Tokyo, breaking down in tears after securing a dramatic shared bronze medal in the heptathlon.
The 32-year-old from Liverpool, who arrived in Japan following a season plagued by injury setbacks, needed to deliver a big performance in the final event – the 800 metres – to keep her medal hopes alive.
Starting the race knowing she had to beat American Taliyah Brooks by around six seconds, Johnson-Thompson produced a gutsy run to finish second in 2:07.38.
Brooks, clearly struggling in the final lap, came home ninth in 2:13.17, leaving both women tied on 6,581 points in the overall standings.
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After a nervous wait on the track, officials confirmed the pair would share the bronze medal – sparking emotional celebrations.
Anna Hall of the United States clinched gold with 6,888 points, while Ireland’s Kate O’Connor claimed silver with a national record of 6,714 points, earning her country’s first-ever outdoor senior multi-event medal and first World Championship podium finish in 12 years.
For Johnson-Thompson, it marked a third World Championship medal following her golds in Doha (2019) and Budapest (2023) – but this bronze may rank among her most meaningful.
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Katarina Johnson-Thompson poses with her bronze medal at the World Athletics Championships
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The Tokyo Olympic Stadium had previously been a place of heartbreak for the British star, who tore her calf during the 200m at the 2021 Games and was forced to withdraw.
Overcome with emotion, Johnson-Thompson admitted the venue still carried painful memories.
“I actually don't have any words at the minute, I'm still in disbelief,” she told the BBC, wiping away tears.
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Katarina Johnson-Thompson cut an emotional figure at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo
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“This season has been so difficult. I've been through it in this stadium – the minute I stepped into it I just started sobbing.
"It holds so much emotion, and to finish the 200m yesterday meant the absolute world.
"To finish here and actually leave with a medal... I can't put into words the full-circle moment I've just been through.”
Her embrace with her mother Tracey after the finish was one of the enduring images of the championships.
“Going back to 2021, the Covid Games, she was so far away,” Johnson-Thompson said.
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Anna Hall won gold at the World Athletics Championships on Saturday
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“To know she was in the stadium and we could share that moment and celebrate in the victory lap... It creates memories that will last a lifetime.
"This is what I do this for – to have moments like this with my mum.”
Johnson-Thompson’s medal adds to what has already been a strong championships for Team GB, with further medal chances to come across the weekend.
For the heptathlete herself, this bronze represents more than a podium finish – it is proof of her resilience, perseverance, and refusal to let injuries define her legacy.