Beckstrand brothers lead men's 100m podium at UIPM Obstacle worlds

Beckstrand brothers lead men's 100m podium at UIPM Obstacle worlds

American brothers Luke and Kai Beckstrand dominated the men's elite 100m final as the 2025 Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) Obstacle World Championships crowned its champions in the 3,000m and 100m courses on Saturday, reported Xinhua. In the final, Luke clocked 25.606 seconds to complete a double victory following his 400m title, while Kai finished in 27.340 to complete a one-two finish with his brother. "We're each other's training partners," said Kai. "We hold each other accountable and owe everything to our parents and coaches back home. We wouldn't be where we're without them." Israel's Shneor Sameach took bronze. China's Shen Weichao also impressed, advancing to the quarterfinals after defeating Japan's Mikimasa Okamoto. As the only Chinese athlete to reach the top eight, he later fell to Kai Beckstrand. Shen said: "At 38, I want to start again and keep challenging myself. No matter your age or situation, you can always be your own champion." In the women's elite 100m final, Poland swept the podium's top spots as Katarzyna Jonacyzk captured gold - her second medal after a 400m silver - while compatriot Anna Garlacz took silver and Britain's Mila Stanzani earned bronze. "I'm so happy and feel so special," said Jonacyzk. "It's my first gold in Beijing, and I'll take home so many beautiful memories." Earlier in the day, the 3,000m obstacle finals concluded with the Netherlands' Stijn Lagrand winning men's gold in 11:07, followed by South Africa's Brandon Hulley and Italy's Loris Pintarelli. China's Wen Changxun placed eighth-the best result among Chinese athletes. In the women's event, Nicole Mericle of the United States triumphed in 13:35.82, ahead of the Czech Republic's Zuzana Kocumova and Egypt's Farida Khalil.