Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Teenager Yan Ziyi has emerged as the standout athlete in the women’s javelin with a world-leading throw of 71.74m, placing her second on the world all-time list and just 54 centimetres short of Barbora Špotáková's world record of 72.28m. Her record-breaking performance came early in the 2026 season, and she has since remained unbeaten across five Diamond League events, securing the Diamond Trophy after a decisive 68.42m throw in Brussels. Yan’s achievements include breaking the Asian and Diamond League records as well as her own world U20 record, set the day after her 18th birthday.
Olympic champion Haruka Kitaguchi is among the leading challengers. Kitaguchi, who finished second to Yan in Brussels with a 65.44m throw, also posted a 64.90m win in Lausanne. Other experienced competitors include 2025 world medallists Anete Sietiņa and Mackenzie Little, bringing strong championship backgrounds to the field.
Flor Denis Ruiz Hurtado recently set a South American record with a throw of 67.34m and took third place behind Yan and Kitaguchi in Brussels, demonstrating strong form for this championship. Adriana Vilagoš, with a season-best of 65.93m achieved in September to win the Mediterranean Games, and Sigrid Borge, who threw 65.00m for second place behind Yan in Xiamen, are also notable contenders. Additionally, Tori Moorby, who placed seventh in the 2025 world final, completes the eight-athlete field.
The final will take place in Budapest on 12 September at 18:13 with only four rounds, presenting a competitive environment where minimal errors could determine the outcome. Yan Ziyi will aim to secure another title and possibly approach the world record mark.