Published: September 17, 2025
MONROVIA — Liberian sprinter Thelma Davies missed out on a place in the women’s 100-meter final at the World Athletics Championships after finishing seventh in her semifinal heat Sunday in Tokyo.
Davies, who set a national record of 10.91 seconds earlier this year, advanced from Saturday’s heats with an 11.12-second run to take third place. She clocked 11.24 in the semifinals, falling short of the final eight.
“I’m excited to be here,” Davies told GoTeamLiberia.com. “I look forward to competing and representing Liberia well.”
The championships, which run Sept. 13–21, feature three Liberian athletes: Davies, Destiny Smith-Barnett and Joseph Fahnbulleh.
Smith-Barnett’s Campaign
Smith-Barnett, also based in the United States, ran 11.33 to finish fifth in her heat Saturday and did not advance. She entered Tokyo after a strong 2025 season that included a second-place finish at the Beijing Continental Tour in 11.28 seconds and an appearance at the World Indoor Championships.
“I’m excited. We’re healthy, prepared and it’s the last race of the season,” Smith-Barnett said before competing. “Might as well go out with a bang and have fun doing it.”
Fahnbulleh Eyes the 200M
Liberia’s hopes now turn to Joseph Fahnbulleh, a two-time Olympian who will contest the men’s 200 meters. Fahnbulleh comes into the event with a season’s best of 20.07 seconds on the Diamond League circuit.
“Happy to race again. I call Japan my second home,” Fahnbulleh said. “Can’t wait to show y’all what I can do.”
Upcoming Events
Liberia has completed its first two days of competition, with the 200 meters next on the schedule:
- Women’s 200m: Heats Sept. 17; semifinals Sept. 18; final Sept. 19
- Men’s 200m: Heats Sept. 17; semifinals Sept. 18; final Sept. 19
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