USA Track and Field has announced its nominees for the highly anticipated Athlete of the Year awards, showcasing an impressive roster of athletes who excelled in 2025. All 17 nominees have either clinched world championships or achieved monumental victories in major marathons, underscoring the immense talent present in the current athletic landscape.
The winners of these prestigious awards will be announced at the USATF Annual Meeting on December 5 in Orlando. Excitingly, both fans and media will have the opportunity to participate in the selection process, with fan voting currently open until November 10. You can cast your vote here.
The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Female Athlete of the Year Nominees
This year’s nominees for the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Female Athlete of the Year award include a stellar group of champions:
- Valarie Allman: World Champion in discus.
- Tara Davis-Woodhall: Long jump world champion.
- Anna Hall: Heptathlon world champion.
- Melissa Jefferson-Wooden: Dominant in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m events.
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: World Champion in both the 400m and 4x400m relays.
- Katie Moon: Elite pole vaulter.
The Para Athletics Female Athlete of the Year Nominees
The Para Athletics nominations feature extraordinary athletes who have demonstrated remarkable achievements:
- Annie Carey: Champion of the T44 200m.
- Arelle Middleton: F44 shot put world champion.
- Susannah Scaroni: A major marathon superstar with wins at Boston, Sydney, and Chicago this year and poised to contend in New York City.
The Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year Nominees
The male nominees for the Jesse Owens award reflect unparalleled athletic prowess:
- Rai Benjamin: Dominated the 400m hurdles as a world champion.
- Ryan Crouser: Outstanding shot put champion.
- Cole Hocker: Impressive world champion in the 5000m.
- Noah Lyles: A force in the 200m and 4x100m relays.
- Cordell Tinch: World champion in the 110m hurdles.
The Para Athletics Male Athlete of the Year Nominees
In the Para Athletics category, the nominees include trailblazing athletes:
- Jaydin Blackwell: World champion in the T38 100m and 400m.
- Michael Brannigan: T20 1500m world champion.
- Joel Gomez: Stellar competitor in the T13 1500m.
A New Era for USA Track and Field
This year marks a significant milestone for USA Track and Field (USATF) as they introduced the Para Athlete of the Year awards. This addition follows the integration of the U.S. Paralympic track and field program into USATF, an important step towards unifying Olympic and Paralympic movements. This initiative reflects a commitment to inclusivity and equity in athletics, ensuring that all athletes are recognized for their extraordinary achievements.
Reflecting on 2024 Award Winners
Last year’s winners set a high standard for excellence. Gabby Thomas emerged victorious, showcasing her skills with gold medals in the 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m events at the Paris championship. Grant Holloway also shone brightly, claiming the Olympic gold in the men’s 110m hurdles. Their performances underline the competitive spirit and talent that continues to define USA Track and Field.
Half of the Track Athlete of the Year nominees hail from the U.S.