Naser Takes Tokyo World Championships By Storm

Bahrain’s sprint sensation wins heat five to reach 400m semi-finals

Bahrain’s star sprinter Salwa Eid Naser began her campaign for a second world title in perfect fashion yesterday afternoon, storming into the semi-finals of the women’s 400 metres at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo.

Blazing Through Tokyo

Competing in front of 56,819 spectators at the National Stadium, Naser powered to victory in 49.13 seconds, the fastest time across all six heats. Running out of lane five, she set her rhythm better than anyone else. Naser ensured she was in control with 100 metres left, before cruising home to book automatic qualification (Q) for tomorrow’s semi-finals at 3:05 PM (BH time).

Naser, who claimed her first global title in 2019 in Doha, is seeking a second world title and fourth medal overall. She previously took 400m silver at the 2017 worlds and mixed 4x400m relay bronze in 2019. Her personal best of 48.14s remains the Asian and Bahraini record, and the third-fastest time in history.

Her main rival, reigning Olympic and world champion Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic, also advanced after winning heat six in 49.85s. Other notable qualifiers included Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the USA (49.41s), Jamaica’s Stacey Ann Williams with a PB of 49.59s, and Britain’s Amber Anning (49.96s).

Elsewhere in Japan

Earlier in the day, Bahrain was also represented in the women’s marathon. Shitaye Eshete finished 6th, Eunice Chumba came 16th, while Tigist Gashaw did not finish (DNF). Bahrain has enjoyed past success in the marathon, with Rose Chelimo winning gold in 2017 and silver in 2019, while Eunice Kirwa captured bronze in 2015. Although medals proved elusive this time, Bahrain’s Eshete did well to finish 6th in a world-class field.