The 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships in Brisbane wrapped up in spectacular fashion, marking one of the most record-breaking events in Virtus Athletics history. Across the II1, II2, and II3 competition classes, athletes from around the world shattered World Records, delivered unforgettable performances, and embodied the true spirit of excellence, resilience, and inclusion.

II1 Events

The Italian Men’s 4x100m relay team — S. Bianca, F. Seck, M. Bertolaso, and N. Dieng — ignited the record-breaking momentum early, setting a new World Record of 43.26 seconds, a performance that electrified the stadium.

Spain’s superstar and Paris 2024 Paralympic silver medalist, David Pineda Mejia, continued his phenomenal form, smashing the Men’s 200m World Record with a stunning 21.37 seconds. Pineda recently captured the World title in the 400m at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi — cementing his dominance on the global stage.

India’s history-making Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medalist, Deepthi Jeevanji, thrilled fans once again, rewriting the record books with a breathtaking 24.62 seconds in the II1 Women’s 200m, setting a new World Record in Brisbane.

Spain struck gold again in the 4x400m relay, as Rodriguez, Rodriguez, Martinez, and Pineda set another World Record, clocking 3:19.12 seconds.

II2 Events

The Italian II2 Men’s 4x100m relay team — E. Tridente, A. Piacentini, T. Capitani, and G. Zaramella — made history once more, powering to a World Record time of 58.31 seconds in a brilliant display of teamwork and precision.

Brazil’s Pedro Henrique continued his unstoppable streak, completing a hat-trick of World Records. After his earlier triumphs, he stormed to victory in the Men’s 200m, setting a new record of 27.30 seconds. His rivals, Benjamin Kalenjuk (AUS) and Andrea Piacentini (ITA), also finished below the previous record with 28.11s and 28.45s, respectively — underlining the incredible standard of competition.

Italy’s Giovanni Zaramella added another record for the Azzurri, setting a new II2 Men’s 800m World Record of 2:46.50 seconds. Spain’s Mikel García followed close behind, finishing in 2:54.58 seconds, also below the old record.

Virtus Global Games 2023 champion Chiara Zeni (ITA) added another title to her growing legacy, breaking the II2 Women’s 200m World Record with a time of 31.60 seconds.

II3 Events

The II3 category witnessed a spectacular last two days, with nine new World Records set by athletes with autism, underscoring the depth of talent in this class.

Australia’s Siarne Davis stole the spotlight, rewriting history in two more throwing events. After setting the new mark for Javelin, Siarne went on to set two more records, with 37.60m in the Women’s Discus Throw and 8.59m in the Shot Put, completing a remarkable triple-record performance.

Australia continued its dominance as Kobi-Lee Dyer soared to 4.15m in the Women’s Long Jump, setting a new World Record. Claudia Flamini followed closely with 4.04m, also surpassing the previous record of 3.86m.

France’s Mathieu Bon added to the global celebration, leaping 6.07m in the II3 Men’s Long Jump to claim another World Record.

Great Britain’s Sadie Graham-Mulveney continued to shine in the short distance by setting a World Record in 200m with 27.35sec.

Australia’s Emma Papantoniou set a new World Record in the Women’s 800m, clocking 2:55.41 seconds, later saying,

“I just wanted to have a good race at my first international championship, and anything after that would have been a bonus. So this gold medal is a bonus — and the World Record is even more. I’m very proud of myself.”

Italy continued its dominance as Federico Cabizza sprinted to a new Men’s 200m World Record with 23.44 seconds, followed by Great Britain’s Sadie Graham-Mulvaney, who set another record in the Women’s 200m with 27.35 seconds.

To close the championship in style, Italy’s Luca Venturelli raised his nation’s flag high, winning gold with a World Record in the Men’s II3 5000m, clocking 15:20.26 seconds.

As the curtain falls on the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships, Brisbane has witnessed a week of pure sporting brilliance — a celebration of unity, resilience, and excellence that will echo across the world.

Full results can be accessed from here.

The spirit of inclusion and excellence came alive in Brisbane as the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships officially opened at the Roma Street Parklands Amphitheatre. With vibrant colours, cultural performances, and the energy of athletes from around the world, the opening ceremony set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of sport and humanity.

Athletes from 31 nations — Brazil, Cook Islands, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, France, Great Britain, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Macau, Malaysia, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Neutal Athletes, Soloman Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Papa New Guinea, United Stated of America and Australia — proudly paraded through the amphitheatre, carrying their national flags high.

The evening began with a powerful Welcome to Country, paying tribute to the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, the traditional custodians of the land, followed by a stunning cultural performance by Yeremy Gundia, who showcased the artistry and spirit of the host nation through fire and dance.

The Australian national anthem, performed by Emma Tomlinson and the Yeronga State School Choir, filled the venue with emotion and unity.

Dr. Christian Rowan MP, Assistant Minister to the Premier and Leader of the House in the Queensland Parliament, delivered an inspiring opening address on behalf of the Queensland Government.

“Brisbane is hosting more than 300 athletes from 31 nations in what will be a fantastic exhibition of talent, teamwork, and determination. To reach this stage means that you are already amongst the best in the world. Over the coming days, you’ll have the chance to push your limits, aim for a medal and achieve your personal best. But even beyond that, simply being here and participating is something that you can extract. You can be extremely proud of it.”

He highlighted the legacy of Queensland’s iconic venues such as QSAC, which has hosted many historic sporting moments, and reminded athletes that their achievements will help shape the path to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Virtus Secretary General Barry Holman followed with an emotional address celebrating the unity of the Virtus family and the global power of inclusive sport.

“It’s always such a pleasure to see the Virtus family of nations gathered together. Make no mistake — you are among the world’s best at what you do, and the world can’t wait to see what you achieve in the coming days.”

Holman paid tribute to the long-standing partnership with Sport Inclusion Australia, commending their leadership in hosting Virtus events in Brisbane, from the 2019 Global Games to the 2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games, and now the 2025 World Athletics Championships.

He also recognised Virtus athletes Barbara Bieganowska-Zajac and Lenine Cunha, who competed at the 2005 Championships in Canberra and continue to inspire a new generation of athletes.

“You two have a 20-year career representing your country at the highest levels of sport and you are an inspiration to all these athletes here at Brisbane tonight,” Holman told the athletes.”

Robyn Smith OAM, CEO of Sport Inclusion Australia, extended a heartfelt welcome to all participants, partners, and volunteers.

“Tonight, we celebrate you — the athletes. You are the reason we are here. You represent the very best of what sport stands for — determination, high performance, respect, and humanity.”

Smith acknowledged the support of the Australian Government, the Queensland Government, and the Brisbane City Council, whose commitment to inclusion has enabled Brisbane to host three major Virtus events in recent years.

She also highlighted the importance of collaboration across sport federations, including Athletics Australia, Queensland Athletics, and the Oceania Athletics Association, for helping to elevate the standard of inclusive sport.

In a touching moment, Smith honoured Indigenous artist Elsa, whose artwork features on the official championship uniforms, symbolising connection, heritage, and unity through art.

“Events like this remind us that sport has the power to connect us all. As Brisbane looks ahead to hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this event builds the legacy of inclusion — one where every athlete has a place in sport.”

The evening continued with a spectacular performance of “The Fire” by Emma Tomlinson and the All Abilities Dance Group, followed by cultural performances from Auntie Maureen Ann, the Papua New Guinea performers, and the Local Bird of Paradise group, captivating the crowd with their energy and artistry.

The ceremony concluded with athletes Talea Blacksmith and Liam Griffith leading the Athletes’ Oath, marking the official start of the championships.

Barry Holman, Secretary General of Virtus and Robyn Smith OAM announced the championship open.

As the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted in applause, one message rang clear across Brisbane: the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships is more than a competition — it is a celebration of resilience, inclusion, and the unbreakable human spirit.

Further information about the event and live results can be accessed from the competition website.

The second last day of the Indian Oil 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi witnessed an electrifying showdown in the Men’s T20 1500m final.

Japan’s rising star Natsuki Toda took an early lead, setting a fast pace from the gun. But it was only a matter of time before Michael Brannigan, the reigning World Champion and Rio 2016 Paralympic gold medallist, made his move. With his trademark surge in the final lap, Brannigan accelerated powerfully to overtake Toda and storm across the finish line — defending his world title in spectacular fashion.

The American clocked 3:50.44, smashing his own Championship Record set in Kobe 2024 (3:51.71), while Toda finished second with a brilliant debut performance, just 2.01 seconds behind.

“I didn’t know that I was going to break the Championship record — I just did it. I really shone on the track, and I am so proud of myself for doing this. I want to thank my coach, Sonia, and the USA Track and Field team for all the support. I couldn’t have done this without them. They believed in me, and it paid off. I’m enjoying this and having fun,” Brannigan told Virtus.

“I let the Japanese lead in the first laps and patiently ran at the back, waiting for the right moment. I keep training hard, practising strategies over and over, keeping that determination. I want to thank God for blessing me.”

For Toda, who was competing in his first World Championships, the silver medal marked a promising beginning to his international career.

“This silver medal means a lot to me because this is my first championship. I think I had a strong debut. I want to practice more and come back stronger”, Toda told Virtus.

In the battle for bronze, Sandro Baessa (POR) narrowly edged out Ndiega Dieng (ITA), finishing in 3:55.00 after a thrilling sprint to the line.

The final day of the Championships will see the Women’s T20 Long Jump, where two-time Paralympic Champion Karolina Kucharczyk (POL) is expected to headline the competition.

The sixth day of the IndianOil 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi witnessed history being made in the Women’s T20 1500m.

A rain delay did little to dampen the charged atmosphere inside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The crowd erupted as a world-class lineup entered the track: Paralympic medalists Liudmyla Danylina (UKR), Antonia Keyla da Silva Barros (BRA), Hannah Taunton (GBR), five-time Paralympic champion Barbara Bieganowska-Zajac (POL), Annabelle Colman (AUS), Kako Taunton (GBR), Kaitlin Bounds (USA), Yuna Fujiwara (JPN), Florianne Lantoine (FRA), and Pavlina Absolonova (CZE).

As expected, Barbara — the reigning World and Championship record holder — surged ahead, leading the race with her trademark control. But towards the final lap, Brazil’s Antonia Silva Barros began to close the gap. With sheer determination and explosive acceleration, she stormed past the Polish legend, crossing the line with a massive 10-second lead.

In doing so, Barros ended Barbara’s long-standing dominance, breaking her golden streak that stretched across a decade — and broke her 15-year-old World Record from 2012 (4:23.37) with a sensational 4:19.22.

Speaking to Virtus, an emotional Barros said:
“I studied Barbara’s style of running very hard. She has the same strategy as me, and she will run the same as me so I had to do something different towards the end to defeat her, and that’s what I did today. It was a lifetime experience for me with this great win. I will keep working hard to become the world champion again.”

Outlining her plan, she explained, “I was expecting to be in front in the first 800m or 600m because I knew she is very strong with her finish, so I didn’t want her to have the chance to win in the last minute. So my strategy was to run fast and stay with her from the beginning and run as fast as I can in the end.”

Barros dedicated her historic medal to a loved one,  “I would like to dedicate this medal to my grandmother. She is not with us anymore but the strength I have comes from her. She gave me the power to come here and win.”

And on her celebration plans, “I will celebrate this medal with my team, my coach, my physio and my girlfriend tonight. When I go back to Brazil, I want to go to a waterfall and enjoy, to be offline and rest a bit because I really need it.”

Barbara secured silver in 4:29.60, while Australia’s Annabelle Colman claimed bronze with 4:35.56.

Full results can be accessed from here.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi erupted with energy as the finals of the Men’s T20 400m took center stage at the IndianOil 2025 World Para Athletics Championships. It was a clash of champions, featuring Rio 2016 gold medalist Daniel Martins (BRA), Tokyo 2020 gold medalist Charles-Antonio Kouakou (FRA), Paris 2024 silver medalist David Jose Pineda Mejia (ESP), and Saudi Arabia’s rising star Idris Sufyani (KSA).

The race delivered everything fans could have hoped for. Martins surged ahead after the 200m mark, only to be challenged by Pineda at the 300m. As the two battled stride for stride, Sufyani powered forward to join the fight for medals. In the final stretch, it was Pineda who stormed across the finish line, clocking a blistering 47.12s to secure his first World Championship gold — and set a new Championship Record. Remarkably, he had broken his own record twice in two days, first in the heats and then again in the final.

Speaking to Virtus Sport after the race, an elated Pineda said,

“I knew it was going to be a pretty fast race, like the semifinals yesterday. I was trying to be on the first few until the 300m because I know I can give a stronger finish and win the race. I am feeling great. I am happy that I was able to improve the record. Today, the weather helped me a lot. I was not able to go under 47, but maybe next time.”

Reflecting on his race strategy, he added:

For Pineda, this medal carries deep significance, “This medal is very important for me as I set my goals at the beginning of this season for this championship. The truth is that I wanted the world record, but it seems like I have to go after it another year. It was one of my long-term objectives. I would like to dedicate this medal to my teammates. Without them, I wouldn’t be doing athletics today. I am going to celebrate this medal with my people, my family, and my training group.”

Silver went to Daniel Martins, who delivered a powerful performance that confirmed his resurgence in the T20 400m. The Brazilian, visibly proud, said,

“It’s the weights I have lifted for two or three years, and now I have won the silver medal, what a joy. Brazilian flag will be on the podium, so I am even happier.”

The Rio champion reflected on his evolution as an athlete:
“I am much more mature now. I am still the same Daniel from Rio 2016, but a lot happier, with a better head.”

He also praised the new generation,
“There are a lot of new athletes coming up now, young and very talented ones. We (senior athletes) have to prepare twice as much as they do. Rivalry is on the track, but outside the track, we joke, we laugh and maintain friendship.”

Martin dedicated his silver to his supporters, “I want to dedicate this medal to my god, my family, my friends, to my sponsors and to all Brazilians. We have to enjoy this win, run in the rain and enjoy. I am going to eat a big cake tonight and enjoy my victory with my friends.”

Idris Sufyani of Saudi Arabia claimed the bronze medal with an impressive 47.55s, sealing his place among the world’s best in this electrifying final.