TOKYO, Japan - Smilla Kolbe represented Team Germany and North Florida Athletics on one of track and field's biggest stages racing in the women's 800m at the World Athletics Championships on Thursday.

As a part of the fifth heat in the preliminary races, Kolbe clocked in a time of 2:01.74 for seventh in her heat. She placed 41st overall out of the 55 professional runners that qualified for the prestigious track and field event.

"I am so proud of Smilla [Kolbe]. She ran a great race putting herself in perfect position," said Director of Cross Country / Track and Field Jeff Pigg on Kolbe's performance. "It is crazy to think she has been in season for nine months. It is so hard to stay focused, motivated and healthy for a regular three-month season, and she was able to maintain the intensity for nine months."

Going into the World Athletics Championships, Kolbe ranked 75th overall in the world rankings for the women's 800m race. She also had the 45th-best time in the world during the 2025 track season after her career time of 1:59.02 at the East Coast Relays earlier this season.

After competing collegiate for UNF, Kolbe continued her season representing UNF and Germany in both the World University Games and the German Athletics Outdoor Championships. She advanced to the finals for World University Games and was crowned the German national champion for the women's 800m.

"The World Athletics Championships has given her experience and shown her that she can compete with the best in the world," Pigg continued. "She has a lot to be proud of and has such a bright future moving forward."

Kolbe looks to return to North Florida to compete in the ASUN Cross Country Championships on Friday, Oct. 31, at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Fla.