The medal given to all participants of the inaugural World Athletics Championships held in Helsinki in 1983 was designed by Reino Paavilainen. The medal is made of bronze and is 6 centimetres in diameter. The obverse features the running statue of Paavo Nurmi in front ot the Olympic Stadium, while the reverse side is occupied by two crouched running figures and the logo of the Championships.
The medals were made by Sporrong.