BAHAMIAN athletics icon, Tonique Williams, said she is truly honoured to be selected as one of four commentators worldwide for the prestigious World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, a role she describes as a natural continuation of her lifelong journey in the sport.

Williams, the first Bahamian to win both World and Olympic titles in successive years, is part of a select group chosen by World Athletics to be part of its inaugural Media Academy and Content Creator Programme, which are designed to elevate the next generation of athletics storytellers.

From September 13–21 in Tokyo, Japan, Williams will lend her voice and expertise as a live commentator, joining former Olympic champion Wilfred Bungei and fellow Kenyan Martin Keino—son of legendary Olympian Kipchoge Keino—as well as Great Britain’s Rosie Tinbergen.

“I am truly honoured to be selected as one of only four individuals worldwide for live commentary at the World Athletics Championships. Track and field has opened countless doors for me—from earning a scholarship and travelling the world to serving as a brand ambassador for a global company, vice president of the BAAA, and media director for the world relays,” Williams told the Nassau Guardian.

“This opportunity marks an exciting new chapter in my journey, and I am especially grateful for the growing relationship I continue to build with World Athletics,” she added.
Williams’ presence among the commentary team highlights her enduring influence in the sport and signals a full-circle moment in her career. From leading on the track to guiding the conversation off it, she now steps into the broadcast booth—a move she credits in part to her role during the World Relays hosted in The Bahamas.
“This appointment is a direct result of my involvement in the World Relays and a testament to how impactful that event has been not just for me, but for all Bahamians. The relays created a lasting legacy, and I am proud to be part of its ripple effect on the world stage. I look forward to representing my country and contributing to the storytelling of our beloved sport in this prestigious role,” Williams shared.

In total, World Athletics has selected 32 individuals from 19 countries for the Class of 2025. That group includes 27 participants in the Media Academy—journalists and photographers—and five content creators. The initiative aims to address gaps in talent, diversity, and expertise in the athletics media landscape.

Other notable names in the Media Academy include Camila Alves (Brazil), Martin Moses (Kenya), and Beatrice Go (Philippines), while Herbert Thomas of Jamaica joins the Content Creator Programme alongside creatives from the United States, France, Ecuador, and Great Britain.

In partnership with the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) and Sony, participants in the Media Academy will benefit from hands-on mentorship, reporting directly from Tokyo while being guided by top-tier international professionals.