Celebrating Excellence in Athletics: Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone Named World Athletes of the Year
On a spectacular evening in Monaco, the World Athletics Awards 2025 brought together the greatest stars of athletics to celebrate remarkable achievements in sports. The highlight of the event was the announcement of Mondo Duplantis and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as the World Athletes of the Year. Their performances in 2025 not only secured them the prestigious title but also showcased their dominance in track and field.
Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone Shine
Duplantis, from Sweden, was toasted as the Men’s Field Athlete of the Year after an extraordinary season marked by record-breaking feats in pole vaulting. Meanwhile, McLaughlin-Levrone earned the title of Women’s Track Athlete of the Year for her phenomenal performances, particularly in the 400m flat and hurdles.
Other Award Winners
The evening honored a broad spectrum of talents across various categories. Spain’s Maria Perez and Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe took home the titles for Out of Stadium Athletes of the Year. Also recognized were Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi as the Men’s Track Athlete of the Year and Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers as the Women’s Field Athlete of the Year.
Celebrating Rising Stars
In a nod to the future of athletics, Edmund Serem from Kenya and Zhang Jiale from China were acknowledged as the Rising Stars of 2025. Their achievements at such young ages not only reflect their talent but also promise a bright future for the sport.
A Night of Recognition
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe emphasized the spirit of the evening, stating, “If there’s a motto for this year’s Awards, it is ‘for the athletes, by the athletes.’” The awards were presented by prominent past award winners, ensuring that the event truly celebrated the athletes’ contributions to the sport.
Mondo Duplantis: A Record-Breaking Year
Duplantis had a historic year, setting an astonishing four world pole vault records and remaining undefeated in 16 competitions. His victories this season included world titles both indoors and outdoors. In a remarkable feat, he became the first male pole vaulter to remain undefeated for two consecutive years. Duplantis articulated his passion and commitment to the sport, expressing hopes to inspire future generations.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: A Trailblazer on the Track
McLaughlin-Levrone similarly established herself as a powerhouse, remaining undefeated in her events for two consecutive years. With her victory in the 400m at the World Championships in Tokyo set at a North American record of 47.78 seconds, she broke a 42-year-old championship record. Her achievement is particularly notable as she became the first athlete to win world titles in both the 400m flat and 400m hurdles.
The Night’s Exciting Awards Presentations
The awards were presented in a grand ceremony where past World Athletes contributed to handing out the trophies. Past accolades were shared with pride, as it highlighted the community’s strength and history. The audience heard stirring speeches from both Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone, who expressed gratitude and ambition for the future.
Recognizing Other Achievements
Among the other notable awards given out was the President’s Award to Bruce McAvaney, an Australian broadcaster who has profoundly impacted sports media. Recognized for his passion for athletics, McAvaney expressed his gratitude and highlighted the sport’s significance in his career.
Additional awards included Ruth Jepchumba Bundotich as Woman of the Year and Michael O’Connor for the Coaching Achievement Award. The Photograph of the Year was awarded to Vegard Grott, showcasing the artistry and emotion captured in the realm of athletics.
The Rising Stars Make Their Mark
In the separate Rising Stars segment, Zhang Jiale improved the world U20 hammer record while clinching bronze at the World Championships. Edmund Serem similarly made waves, earning a bronze in the 3000m steeplechase.
The celebration not only honored established athletes but also highlighted upcoming talents who are poised to shape the future of athletics.
As the evening came to a close, it was evident that the world of athletics is thriving, with extraordinary talent pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The future looks bright, fueled by the inspiration of current champions and the rising stars who will soon take the stage.