The World Athletics theme song is on fire! Iconic tracks and related songs that amp up event broadcasts
A host of theme songs have added color to the moving moments of the World Athletics Championships.
Over the years, these classic tunes have stood by the athletes’ passionate battles—at times giving them courage, and at others amplifying the emotion.
Among them, Yuji Oda’s “All my treasures,” used for eight consecutive tournaments, is surely etched in many people’s memories.
But there are many other wonderful tracks that have served as theme songs for the World Championships as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce a comprehensive selection of the theme songs that have brightened the history of the World Athletics Championships.
We’ve also picked out some commercials songs related to the Championships, so be sure to listen to those too.
The World Athletics theme song is on fire! Iconic tracks and related songs that amp up event broadcasts
A Cheer Song Dedicated to YouHIPPY
Its straightforward lyrics and husky vocals deliver a powerful cheer to everyone who listens! This song by singer-songwriter HIPPY was included on the album “HomeBase ~Arigatou~,” released in March 2017.
It originally started as one of the album tracks, but spread by word of mouth among athletes and students, and in 2020 it was chosen as walk-up music by 11 professional baseball players—the most that year.
Starting in 2025, it’s also been featured as the CM song for Morinaga Seika’s “in brand,” familiar from commercials supporting the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships.
It’s a moving classic whose message stands beside anyone who keeps getting back up.
How about it for those moments when you want to unite hearts with your teammates?
All my treasuresOda Yūji
This work, passionately sung by Yuji Oda, who served as the main anchor for the World Athletics Championships for many years, conveys his heartfelt emotions.
It depicts hope for the future, bonds with companions, and gratitude toward loved ones.
The message that a smile is an irreplaceable treasure overlaps with the earnest dedication of athletes, stirring up a deeply moving sense of inspiration.
Released as a single in July 2007 and also included on the album “Arigatou” the same year, the song was used as the TBS network’s World Athletics theme from 2005 to 2022.
Oda’s own performance at the 2007 Osaka championships was particularly memorable.
It’s a track that affirms all the efforts and memories up to now and gives you strength to face the future.
For anyone striving toward a goal, it’s a powerful push forward.
life-formHoshino Gen
With its exhilarating sound and refreshing vocals, this emotional track makes energy well up from deep within.
The song by Gen Hoshino served as the theme for the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest broadcast on TBS, and was also used as the theme for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
It was later included on the single “Hikari no Ato / Seimeitai.” It’s sure to give a powerful push to athletes—and to anyone taking on a challenge in their daily lives.
Listen to it before a crucial moment, and you’ll likely deliver your best performance.
TogetherOda Yūji
This song was created as the theme for the 1999 World Athletics Championships in Spain, broadcast on TBS.
Yuji Oda wrote the lyrics himself, expressing the strength to keep moving forward despite inner conflict.
Its refreshing, catchy melody leaves a strong impression and turns it into a unifying cheer anthem.
Released as a single in August 1999, it was also used as the ending theme for the popular TBS program “Kinniku Banzuke.” Later, it was included on the single “All my treasures,” released in July 2007.
It’s a track that fires you up—overcoming anxiety, uniting with your friends, and striving toward your goals.
Best Day of Your LifeHaruahata Michiya
This instrumental number captivates with a refreshing, exhilarating guitar sound that feels like a celebration of life’s greatest moments.
Composed by Michiya Haruhata—also known as the guitarist of TUBE—this second single, released in July 1995, was chosen as the theme song for Nippon TV’s coverage of the 1995 World Championships in Athletics.
Its dramatic tone, blending dynamism and fluid grace, seems to vividly capture that fleeting brilliance when an athlete sets a personal best.
The well-balanced interplay of quiet and intense guitar passages amplifies both the tension during competition and the sense of release at the finish.
The track is also included on the album “Color of Life,” released in October of the same year.
It’s a top recommendation for boosting your morale before an important challenge!
FLY HIGHOda Yūji
This song, which sings of the determination to soar high toward one’s dreams, is a stirring number by Yuji Oda that warms the heart.
It’s well known as the theme song for the 1997 IAAF World Championships broadcast on TBS.
Oda’s own straightforward lyrics are truly encouraging.
Composed by GARDEN and arranged by Akihiko Matsumoto, the track delivers an irresistible sound—pop yet dramatic and full of dynamism.
Released in July 1997 as one of the double A-side single “Over and Over Again / FLY HIGH,” this piece feels like a powerful push on your back when you’re taking on a challenge or need that extra step of courage.
Time goes ByKohiruimaki Kahoru
It’s the grand ballad by Kahoru Kohiruimaki that was chosen as the theme song for the 1991 World Championships in Athletics! Starting with a gentle accompaniment, the arrangement gradually expands in scale, as if mirroring the athletes’ years of accumulated effort and the dramatic, shining moment on the big stage.
Released as a single in March 1991, the song also drew attention for featuring the world-renowned arranger Jerry Hey.
Evoking a passion that never fades even as time passes, this piece is perfect for moving scenes that look back on the journey so far.