Imagine the thrill of watching the world's fastest, strongest, and most enduring athletes battle it out on the global stage—now picture them vying for the ultimate recognition of being crowned World Athletics' Athlete of the Year. It's a moment that encapsulates the heart-pounding excitement of track and field, and this year, the 2025 finalists are poised to make history. But here's where it gets controversial: in a sport where records are shattered and rivalries ignite, who truly deserves that coveted title? Let's dive into the details and see who made the cut.
World Athletics has just unveiled the finalists for its prestigious 2025 Athlete of the Year awards, spotlighting a lineup of Olympic gold medalists and world champions ready to compete for glory. To make this accessible for newcomers to the world of athletics, think of it as narrowing down a vast pool of talented performers—much like selecting the best players in a championship game. The organization started with a long list of nominees and whittled it down through a first round of voting. This involved input from the World Athletics Council (a group of experts and leaders), members of the World Athletics Family (like coaches, officials, and other insiders), and even a public vote on social media platforms. It's a democratic process that ensures diverse voices shape the selections, reflecting both expertise and fan passion.
The finalists are divided into six distinct categories, each highlighting different facets of athletic prowess. For beginners, this setup allows us to celebrate not just speed on the track but also power in field events and endurance in long-distance races. Here are the top two contenders in each:
- Women’s Track Athlete of the Year: Femke Bol from the Netherlands, who clinched the world title in the 400m hurdles, showcasing her incredible blend of speed and technique over barriers; and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone from the USA, the reigning world champion in the 400m, known for her record-breaking performances that have redefined women's sprinting.
- Men’s Track Athlete of the Year: Noah Lyles from the USA, the world 200m champion whose explosive finishes have made him a fan favorite; and Emmanuel Wanyonyi from Kenya, who dominated the 800m to earn his world title, highlighting Kenya's legacy in middle-distance running.
- Women’s Field Athlete of the Year: Tara Davis-Woodhall from the USA, who leaped to victory in the world long jump championships, demonstrating gravity-defying skill; and Nicola Olyslagers from Australia, the world high jump champion, whose ability to soar over the bar inspires awe in spectators.
- Men’s Field Athlete of the Year: Armand "Mondo" Duplantis from Sweden, the world pole vault champion, whose innovative techniques and world records continue to push the boundaries of human potential; and Mattia Furlani from Italy, who claimed the world long jump title, adding European flair to this event.
- Women’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year: Peres Jepchirchir from Kenya, the world marathon champion, embodying the grit and perseverance of road racing through city streets and trails; and Maria Perez from Spain, who secured world titles in both the 20km and 35km race walks, illustrating the discipline and strategy required in these endurance-based competitions.
- Men’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year: Sebastion Sawe from Kenya, who triumphed at prestigious marathons like London and Berlin, proving his dominance in global road races; and Alphonce Simbu from Tanzania, the world marathon champion, whose victories underscore the rising stars from Africa's running hotspots.
From these category finalists, one man and one woman will emerge victorious in each area, but the real showdown is in the overall World Athlete of the Year titles for men and women. Fan voting is now live, giving you the chance to weigh in and support your heroes—head over to the World Athletics website for more details on how to participate. The winners will be announced in a glamorous ceremony in Monaco on Sunday, November 30, as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025. And this is the part most people miss: while these athletes are celebrated for their individual achievements, the event also shines a light on the broader impact of athletics, from inspiring youth to promoting global unity.
Of course, with such a talented field, opinions on who should win are bound to clash. Is track speed more impressive than field strength, or does endurance in out-of-stadium events deserve the spotlight? Some might argue that social media buzz influences votes too heavily, potentially overshadowing pure athletic merit. What do you think—should the overall winners be decided by experts alone, or is public opinion a fair game-changer? Share your thoughts in the comments: Who are you rooting for, and why? Do you agree that these categories capture the full essence of athletics, or is there a missing element that sparks debate? Let's get the conversation going!
