World Athletics names six athletes of the year, breaking tradition to celebrate diversity and recognize excellence across various disciplines.
World Athletics made a groundbreaking change in its annual awards on Monday by naming not one, but six athletes as the World Athletes of the Year for 2023.
Faith Kipyegon, Noah Lyles, Armand "Mondo" Duplantis, Tigist Assefa, Kelvin Kiptum, and Yulimar Rojas were all honored during a gala held in Monaco.
23:29 - 11.12.2023
ATHLETICS Faith Kipyegon makes history as Kenyans sweep World Athlete of the Year Awards
Kipyegon fended off stern competition to win the highly coveted award, while fellow Kenyans Faith Cherotich and Emmanuel Wanyonyi have both won the Rising Star of the Year awards.
This decision has left many viewers who followed the event on television across the globe surprised, as they were expecting separate awards for male and female athletes.
However, this change reflects the evolving landscape of athletics and the recognition of different skill sets across various disciplines.
07:00 - 12.12.2023
ATHLETICS Athletics Kenya track and field weekend meet heads to Thika
AK will use this meet, together with other meetings when considering athletes to be invited for Trials for the 2024 African Games.
Previously, World Athletics presented a single Athlete of the Year award for both men and women across all events.
The shift in the awards structure came after extensive feedback was received during the voting process.
"When it came to compiling the votes, athletes, fans, and World Athletics Family members commented that it was incredibly hard to limit the vote to just one athlete, because of the various disciplines and the vast differences in skill sets required," explained World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.
22:00 - 11.12.2023
ATHELTICS Noah Lyles opens up on ambitious target of clinching quadruple gold at Paris Olympics
The outspoken American athlete has insisted that he could have a go at the 4x400m category if his body will allow him to.
Faith Kipyegon made history by becoming the first Kenyan to win the Female Athlete of the Year award.
Kipyegon's remarkable achievements in 2023 include breaking world records in the 1500m, mile, and 5000m events.
Notably, she became the first woman to sweep gold medals in both the 1500m and 5000m at a single world championship.
10:00 - 11.12.2023
ATHLETICS Kenyan marathoner's spectacular comeback yields millions in Honolulu Marathon prize
Kenyan marathoner Paul Lonyangata triumphs in Honolulu Marathon, clinching victory after serving a suspension, earning millions in prize money
On the men's side, Kelvin Kiptum made headlines with his outstanding performance in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Running a blistering time of 2:00:35, Kiptum shattered the previous world record and became the first athlete to break the 2:01 barrier in a record-eligible marathon.
This 24-year-old Kenyan's dominance continued as he secured victory at the TCS London Marathon in April with a time of 2:01:25.
20:13 - 09.12.2023
ATHLETICS Daniel Ebenyo's heartwarming gesture falls short as Letesenbet Gidey clinches International Fair Play Award
Daniel Ebenyo narrowly missed out on the International Fair Play Award won by Ehiopia's Letesenbet Gidey.
Noah Lyles, the American sprinting sensation, made history of his own by clinching victories in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m events at the world championships held in August.
His incredible feat made him the first American to win the Male Athlete of the Year award since decathlete Ashton Eaton in 2015.
Lyles, who had been vying for this accolade for years, playfully joked with Armand "Mondo" Duplantis about Duplantis' previous world record feats that had eluded him.
20:46 - 08.12.2023
ATHLETICS Jamaican hurdler Rushell Clayton eyes victory at Paris Olympics
The two-time 400m hurdles bronze medallist, seeks Olympic gold, driven by relentless determination, training hard, and setting lofty goals.
Tigist Assefa stunned the world by breaking the women's marathon world record in Berlin in September, showcasing her exceptional endurance and speed.
Meanwhile, Yulimar Rojas's dominance in the triple jump was once again confirmed as she clinched both the world title and Diamond League title, extending her reign over the event for seven consecutive years.
The other finalists in this prestigious category included Femke Bol of the Netherlands, the world champion in the 400m hurdles, and Shericka Jackson of Jamaica, the world 200m champion.
12:21 - 07.12.2023
ATHLETICS World’s best paid female athletes: Sprint legend Michael Johnson baffled by lack of track stars on money list
American sprint legend Michael Johnson has spoken of his surprise at the lack of track stars on the list of highest-paid female athletes in 2023
Last season's winner, American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, was unable to defend her title due to a minor knee issue, causing her to miss the world championships.
With the indoor track and field season set to commence in January, athletes are gearing up for another year of fierce competition. T
The next major event on the horizon is the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials scheduled for February 3rd in Orlando.
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