Mekdes Woldu and Manon Trapp named in France’s marathon team for Tokyo Worlds

The French Athletics Federation unveiled its national marathon team for the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, taking place from September 13 to 21, 2025. Over the classic 42.195 km distance, Mekdes Woldu and Manon Trapp will represent France, ready to take on the challenge and fly the tricolour flag on Japanese soil.

Woldu and Trapp to represent France in Tokyo

Although the FFA’s qualifying standard for women’s marathon was set at 2:21:13, the French Athletics Federation opted to give these two athletes a chance ahead of Los Angeles: “The selection committee considered that these two athletes, relatively young in a discipline that requires a certain level of experience, have clear potential with a view to the Los Angeles Olympic Games.” As a reminder, Manon Trapp set a new French record (2:23:38) at the Seville Marathon last February. A few weeks later, Mekdes Woldu, who runs for Entente Franconville Césame Val d’Oise, lowered that recently established record at the Barcelona Marathon (2:23:13).

The French Athletics Federation also highlighted that “thanks to this early selection announcement, they will benefit from optimal conditions to prepare calmly and methodically for the World Championships in Tokyo.” To see the two French athletes line up in the marathon at the World Championships, mark September 13 on your calendar.

No French men selected

There will be no French representative in the men’s race at the World Championships. Morhad Amdouni, who ran the qualifying standard in Seville in February 2024 (2:03:47) and sits ninth in the “Road to Tokyo” world rankings, will not be making the trip. “This decision takes the full context into account, including legal proceedings that resulted in a conviction for conduct incompatible with the ethical charter and the fundamental values upheld by the French Athletics Federation.”