15.9.2025
Alphonce Felix Simbu made history on Monday, by becoming the first athlete from Tanzania to win a gold in world track and field contest by claiming the men’s marathon title at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo, Japan,
He achieved the feat in style – with the smallest winning margin ever in a global marathon contest, having outsprinted Germany’s Amanol Petros in the closing stages to finish just 0.03 ahead. Simbu and Petros were both credited with the same time: 2:09:48.
One of only two athletes representing Tanzania at the World Championships, Simbu was always in contention. He kicked in the closing 30 metres and with victory, he upgraded the world bronze medal he won in 2017 to gold.
“Today means celebrations in Tanzania,” Simbu said. “We have written new history as a country. It was my dream. I am at peace. It is about discipline, training and never giving up.
“After 2017 I have been trying to win another medal but failed at it. Last year Paris was a challenge and this year I told myself: I will try my best. I did different types of training under different weather conditions.”
Alphonce Felix Simbu...