Three-time Olympic champion Nafi Thiam stunned athletics fans after dramatically withdrawing from the heptathlon at the World Championships in Tokyo. Having targeted another global gold, the Belgian star walked away from the event after completing five disciplines, citing a mix of tactical, personal, and performance-related reasons.
Thiam opened the competition on a relatively steady note with a 13.61 in the 100m hurdles and an impressive 1.89m in the high jump, keeping pace with early leaders. However, her momentum faded later in the day. A 200m time of 25.52 seconds left her trailing, and by the end of day one, she sat sixth with 3818 points.
The decisive moment came on Saturday morning in the long jump. Thiam managed only 5.99m — well below her best — which dropped her to eighth overall. With just two events left, the javelin and 800m, her chances of a podium finish had all but vanished. Faced with the risk of overexertion and a potential injury, Thiam and her coach made the call to withdraw, choosing instead to preserve her health and regroup for future competitions.
Beyond her performance, off-track tensions also weighed heavily. In the lead-up to Tokyo, Thiam had voiced frustrations with her federation over disputes linked to publicity rights, sponsorship conflicts, and access to physiotherapy support. She claimed the federation was “boycotting” her for refusing to sign certain agreements, forcing her to seek medical treatment outside official facilities. The dispute created additional mental strain during an already demanding championship, adding to the pressure she faced on the track.
At 30 years old, Thiam has already secured her place in athletics history, boasting three Olympic gold medals and multiple world titles. Her decision to step aside in Tokyo reflects a broader focus on career longevity rather than chasing medals at all costs. By withdrawing, she avoids unnecessary strain, allowing time to reset physically and mentally ahead of future competitions, including the upcoming Diamond League circuit and the path toward Paris 2028.
For Thiam, the Tokyo withdrawal may be less about defeat and more about strategy — a reminder that champions must sometimes step back to secure greater victories ahead. As the heptathlon moves forward without her, the spotlight now shifts to rising stars like Anna Hall, but Thiam’s legacy and influence remain firmly intact.
