Athletics-American Moon vaults to history with third straight world title

World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 - Women's Pole Vault Final - Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan - September 17, 2025 Gold medallist Katie Moon of the U.S. celebrates with her national flag after winning the Women's Pole Vault Final alongside silver medallist Sandi Morris of the U.S. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

TOKYO (Reuters) -American Katie Moon leapt to the pole vault gold medal at the world championships on Wednesday in a thrilling final to become the first woman to win a third consecutive world title in the event.

Moon, who won gold at the Tokyo Olympics in the same National Stadium venue in 2021, edged out compatriot Sandi Morris with a final successful leap at a season's best 4.90 metres.

Rio silver medallist Morris placed second on 4.85m, while Slovenia's Tina Sutej took bronze at 4.80m.

(Reporting by Chang-Ran Kim; Editing by Kevin Liffey)