Olympic Gold Medallists Contend for World Athletics’ Athlete of the Year 2025 Awards
As the excitement builds towards the World Athletics Awards 2025, a thrilling lineup of elite athletes has been revealed as finalists for the coveted Athlete of the Year awards. This selection showcases the impressive talents of Olympic gold medallists who have captured the attention of sports enthusiasts worldwide.
The Selection Process
The finalists emerged from a long list of nominees narrowed down through a comprehensive voting process. The first round of voting incorporated insights from the World Athletics Council, the World Athletics Family, and public votes gathered via social media platforms. This inclusive approach amplifies the sense of community among fans and stakeholders, driving engagement and fostering a vibrant sports culture.
Finalist Categories
The finalists are vying for recognition across three distinct categories:
- Track Athlete
- Field Athlete
- Out-of-Stadium Athlete
In each category, the competition is fierce, with only the top two men and women selected as finalists based on their outstanding performances throughout the year.
Women’s Track Athlete of the Year
This year’s competition for the Women’s Track Athlete of the Year features two stellar athletes:
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Femke Bol (NED): Celebrated as the world 400m hurdles champion, Bol’s electrifying speed and tactical prowess on the track make her a formidable contender. Her performances have consistently placed her at the forefront of international competitions, showcasing her remarkable athleticism.
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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA): Known for her record-breaking performances, McLaughlin-Levrone is the world 400m champion. Her powerful runs and ability to push the limits of what is possible on the track have captivated audiences, solidifying her standing as one of the sport’s greats.
Men’s Track Athlete of the Year
The men’s track athletic landscape is equally competitive, featuring:
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Noah Lyles (USA): The reigning world 200m champion, Lyles has established himself as one of the sport’s premier sprinters. His speed, charisma, and compelling story have earned him a devoted fan base and admiration from fellow athletes.
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Emmanuel Wanyonyi (KEN): As the world 800m champion, Wanyonyi’s tactical approach and unfaltering resolve during races have set him apart from his peers, making him a worthy nominee for this prestigious accolade.
Women’s Field Athlete of the Year
In the field athlete category, two extraordinary talents are competing for recognition:
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Tara Davis-Woodhall (USA): As the world long jump champion, Davis-Woodhall has not only achieved technical excellence but has also inspired many with her journey and perseverance in overcoming challenges.
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Nicola Olyslagers (AUS): The world high jump champion, Olyslagers has consistently demonstrated her ability to soar above the bar, and her performances have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Men’s Field Athlete of the Year
The competition tightens in the men’s field athlete category with:
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Mondo Duplantis (SWE): The world pole vault champion is known for his incredible height clearance and innovative techniques. Duplantis symbolizes a new era in pole vaulting and continues to set records, raising the bar—literally and figuratively.
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Mattia Furlani (ITA): Celebrated as the world long jump champion, Furlani’s accuracy and explosive starting techniques have made him a formidable opponent in every competition.
Women’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year
This category showcases athletes excelling outside conventional stadium environments:
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Peres Jepchirchir (KEN): As the world marathon champion, Jepchirchir has showcased her endurance and strategic race execution, earning her a place among the elite.
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Maria Perez (ESP): The world champion in both 20km and 35km race walking, Perez represents the pinnacle of endurance racing, demonstrating exceptional speed and efficiency.
Men’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year
For the men’s out-of-stadium athlete category, the finalists include:
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Sabastian Sawe (KEN): With victories at both the London and Berlin Marathons, Sawe has proven to be a powerhouse in long-distance racing, showcasing his incredible talent and determination.
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Alphonce Simbu (TAN): The world marathon champion, Simbu continues to inspire with his feats of endurance, making him a key player in the distance running community.
Engaging the Fans
Fan participation is pivotal in acknowledging these athletes. Voting for the Men’s and Women’s World Athlete of the Year is now open, allowing fans from around the globe to have a say in recognizing the best of the best in athletics.
The winners of these prestigious awards will be announced at a grand ceremony in Monaco on Sunday, November 30, as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025. The anticipation builds as these remarkable athletes await the results, each one a testament to the spirit of competition and excellence in the world of athletics.