Tanzanian athlete Alphonce Simbu has clinched a gold medal in the men's marathon at the 2025 World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo, Japan, completing the 42.195 kilometers in a time of 2:09:48.
Simbu becomes the first world champion from Tanzania in the history of this competition.
He crossed the finish line just seconds ahead of Germany's Amanal Petros, securing the world title with a time of 2:09:48.
"I have made history today, winning Tanzania's first gold medal at the world championships. I remember in 2017, at the London World Championships, I won bronze. After that, I raced many times but didn’t win another medal, and finally, I have achieved it now. When I arrived here, I told myself not to give up. I stayed with the group, which helped me, and the finish was great," he said after his victory.
Simbu has had a remarkable year, as he also finished second in the Boston Marathon in April 2025.
What does president Samia said?
Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has congratulated Tanzanian international athlete Alphonce Simbu for emerging victorious in the World Athletics Championships.
Dr. Samia, through her social media pages, praised him, saying, "Congratulations Alphonce Simbu on winning the Gold Medal in the Long Distance International Athletics Championships in Tokyo with a time of 2:09:48; you have written a part of our nation's history."
"As I advised you when you finished second in the Boston Marathon this April, your victory is a result of your high discipline and hard work. You have set a great example of these two pillars of effort for your fellow athletes and even for those who are not athletes. Continue to proudly and respectfully carry our national flag," said Samia.