Auburn’s Presence on the World Stage: Six Tigers at the World Athletics Championships

The intersection of collegiate athletics and elite international competition is a powerful testament to the developmental strength of university programs. For Auburn University, this is especially true in the realm of track and field, as six of its current and former student-athletes are set to represent their countries at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Spanning nine days from September 13-21, these athletes will showcase the culmination of their hard work on the global stage, representing not only Auburn but also the nations of the USA, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. This significant representation underscores the program’s success in nurturing top-tier talent and preparing athletes for the highest levels of competition.

Leading the charge for Team USA is Ja’Kobe Tharp, a rising star in the 110-meter hurdles. Tharp’s qualification for the championships comes on the heels of a phenomenal sophomore campaign, which saw him win both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships. His gold-medal performance at the 2025 Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships, where he clocked a personal best of 13.01 seconds, was a definitive statement of his readiness for the world stage. This time not only secured his spot but also ranks as the fifth-fastest in the world this year. Tharp’s impressive season, which also includes an SEC indoor title, has earned him a place as a finalist for The Bowerman, track and field’s most prestigious collegiate award. His journey from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to the world’s elite is a clear example of the Auburn program’s ability to develop national champions and international contenders.

Auburn’s influence extends beyond the United States, with two athletes representing Nigeria in the men’s 100-meter dash: Kayinsola Ajayi and Israel Okon. Both are First-Team All-Americans who have consistently demonstrated their sprinting prowess. Ajayi, a veteran of international competition having advanced to the semifinals of the 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics, holds Auburn school records in both the 100m and 60m. His consistent performance, including a second-place finish at the NCAA Indoor Championships, speaks to his dedication and skill. Joining him is Israel Okon, a freshman who made an immediate impact by becoming Auburn’s first freshman since 2010 to run at the indoor championships. Okon’s recent national title at the 2025 Nigerian Athletic Championships, where he set a new Nigerian U20 record, highlights his rapid development under the Auburn coaching staff. Their combined success at the NCAA championships, where they delivered Auburn’s best-ever one-two finish in the 60m event, showcases the potent partnership they have forged.

The representation continues with Makanakaishe Charamba and Vimbayi Maisvorewa, both competing for Zimbabwe. Charamba, a former Olympian, brings valuable experience to the championships, having advanced to the men’s 200m finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His eighth-place finish in Paris demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and on the biggest stage. For Charamba, representing his country is a matter of pride and a chance to “show the whole world what I can do.” His focus on executing his best race in Tokyo reflects the disciplined and strategic mindset instilled by the Auburn program. Meanwhile, Vimbayi Maisvorewa will represent Zimbabwe in the 400m, adding another layer of depth to Auburn’s international presence. The presence of two Zimbabwean athletes further highlights the global reach of the university’s recruitment and the international appeal of its track and field program.

Rounding out the group is Sanaa Barns, who will join Tharp in representing Team USA, competing in the women’s high jump. Her qualification solidifies Auburn’s presence in a variety of events, demonstrating the program’s balanced strength across sprints, hurdles, and field events. Barns’s participation at the World Championships is a testament to her dedication and the quality of coaching she has received at Auburn. Her journey to Tokyo adds to the narrative of a program that consistently produces multi-faceted athletes capable of competing at the highest levels.

In conclusion, the presence of six current and former Auburn Tigers at the 2025 World Athletics Championships is a powerful statement about the quality and depth of the university’s track and field program. From Ja’Kobe Tharp’s record-breaking hurdle performances to the international representation of Ajayi, Okon, Charamba, Maisvorewa, and Barns, these athletes are not only competing for personal glory but also for the honor of their university and their home countries. Their stories of development, perseverance, and global ambition are inspiring and serve as a beacon for future generations of athletes. The World Championships will be a stage where the world gets to see what Auburn has to offer, and these six athletes are ready to show the world the true meaning of “War Eagle.”