Get ready for a showdown of titans! The World Athletics Athlete of the Year awards for 2025 are just around the corner, and the finalists are a who's who of Olympic and world champions. But the big question is: who will take home the ultimate crown?
World Athletics has just revealed the shortlisted athletes vying for the prestigious Athlete of the Year title, and the competition is fierce. Several Olympic gold medalists, along with rising stars, are in the running, promising a nail-biting finale. Think Noah Lyles' explosive speed, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's barrier-shattering performances, and the gravity-defying heights of Mondo Duplantis. These athletes represent the pinnacle of athletic achievement, and now, they're one step closer to being recognized as the very best.
So, how did we get to these finalists? The initial longlist of nominees has been carefully whittled down to just two men and two women in each of three distinct categories: track, field, and out-of-stadium events. This selection process wasn't just down to a panel of experts; it involved a multi-faceted approach. The World Athletics Council and the World Athletics Family contributed their votes, and crucially, fans like you had a say through public voting on social media. Every vote counted in shaping this final lineup.
Here's a breakdown of the finalists who are in contention for the awards:
Women’s Track Athlete of the Year:
* Femke Bol (NED): The reigning world champion in the 400m hurdles, Bol is a force to be reckoned with on the track. Her incredible speed and agility make her a constant threat.
* Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA): The world 400m champion. McLaughlin-Levrone has consistently redefined what's possible in the 400m, leaving spectators in awe of her prowess.
Men’s Track Athlete of the Year:
* Noah Lyles (USA): The world 200m champion, Lyles is known for his electrifying speed and charismatic personality. He's not just a runner; he's a showman.
* Emmanuel Wanyonyi (KEN): The world 800m champion. Wanyonyi has quickly emerged as a dominant force in the 800m, showcasing remarkable endurance and tactical brilliance.
Women’s Field Athlete of the Year:
* Tara Davis-Woodhall (USA): The world long jump champion. Davis-Woodhall brings a vibrant energy to the long jump pit, captivating audiences with her impressive leaps.
* Nicola Olyslagers (AUS): The world high jump champion. Olyslagers is a consistent performer in the high jump, clearing impressive heights with grace and determination.
Men’s Field Athlete of the Year:
* Mondo Duplantis (SWE): The world pole vault champion. Duplantis is a true phenomenon in the pole vault, consistently pushing the boundaries of what's achievable.
* Mattia Furlani (ITA): The world long jump champion. Furlani has burst onto the scene with incredible long jump performances, showcasing remarkable potential for the future.
Women’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year:
* Peres Jepchirchir (KEN): The world marathon champion. Jepchirchir is a seasoned marathon runner, known for her resilience and strategic racing.
* Maria Perez (ESP): The world champion in both the 20km and 35km race walk. Perez is a dominant force in race walking, demonstrating incredible endurance and technique.
Men’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year:
* Sabastian Sawe (KEN): Champion of both the London and Berlin Marathons, Sawe has proven himself as a top marathon runner on the world stage, winning two of the most prestigious marathons in the world.
* Alphonce Simbu (TAN): The world marathon champion. Simbu is known for his tough racing style and determination to succeed, representing Tanzania with pride.
Only one athlete in each category will ultimately be crowned the winner. The grand reveal is scheduled for a glittering ceremony in Monaco on Sunday, November 30th, as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025. This event promises to be a celebration of athletic excellence and a moment of immense pride for the winners.
Now, here's where it gets interesting. While the World Athletics Council and Family hold significant weight in the voting process, some argue that the public vote should carry even more influence. After all, it's the fans who fill the stadiums and drive the sport's popularity. Do you think the current voting system adequately represents the voice of the fans? Let us know in the comments!
Fan voting is now open for Men's and women's World athlete of the year. Cast your vote now and make your voice heard!
And this is the part most people miss: the Out-of-Stadium category often gets less attention than track and field. Is this fair, considering the incredible endurance and dedication required for marathon running and race walking? Should these athletes receive more recognition for their achievements? Share your thoughts below!
