Imagine the thrill of champions battling it out not just on the track, but in the court of public opinion—World Athletics has just dropped the bombshell list of finalists for their 2025 Athlete of the Year awards, and some of the biggest stars from the Olympics are vying for glory. Think Noah Lyles and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone leading the charge; this is the moment where global athletic excellence gets its spotlight, and trust me, you won't want to miss the drama unfolding. But here's where it gets controversial—how do we decide who's truly the 'best' in a sport full of subjective triumphs?
World Athletics, the international governing body for track and field (you can learn more at their official site: https://www.olympics.com/en/sports/athletics), has whittled down a long list of nominees to the crème de la crème: the top two male and female finalists in three distinct categories. These aren't arbitrary picks; they're the result of a careful selection process that includes input from the World Athletics Council (a group of experts and leaders), the broader World Athletics Family (like coaches and officials), and even your everyday fans through social media votes. It's a blend of expertise and public passion that ensures the finalists represent the pinnacle of athletic achievement.
To make it easy for newcomers, let's break it down: the categories are divided into Track Athletes (those who shine in sprinting and hurdling events), Field Athletes (think jumpers and vaulters showcasing explosive power), and Out-of-Stadium Athletes (road runners who conquer marathons and long-distance challenges outside the traditional stadium setting). From each category, one man and one woman will be crowned the winner—talk about high stakes! And this is the part most people miss—these awards aren't just about individual glory; they highlight how diverse and inspiring athletics can be, from the speed demons in the 100m to the endurance warriors covering 26.2 miles.
The big reveal happens at a glamorous ceremony in Monaco on Sunday, November 30, as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025. Picture the Mediterranean backdrop, the applause, and the anticipation—it's where champions are honored for their world-beating performances.
Let's dive into the finalists, shall we? I'll include brief teasers on their standout achievements to give you a flavor of why they're in the running.
Women's Track Athlete of the Year
- Femke Bol (Netherlands) – This dynamo claimed the world title in the 400m hurdles, navigating barriers with the precision of a seasoned strategist. (Check out her profile: https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/femke-bol)
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) – A 400m world champion whose blistering speed redefined what's possible in middle-distance running. (More on her: https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/sydney-mclaughlin)
Men's Track Athlete of the Year
- Noah Lyles (USA) – The world 200m champion, famous for his electrifying races and charismatic flair that lights up the stadium. (His story: https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/noah-lyles)
- Emmanuel Wanyonyi (Kenya) – A 800m world champion whose tactical pacing and raw power make him a force in the longer sprints. (Explore: https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/emmanuel-wanyonyi)
Women's Field Athlete of the Year
- Tara Davis-Woodhall (USA) – The world long jump champion, soaring through the air with leaps that defy gravity and inspire awe. (Her journey: https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/tara-davis)
- Nicola Olyslagers (Australia) – A high jump world champion who clears bars with elegant technique and unyielding determination. (Details: https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/nicola-mcdermott)
Men's Field Athlete of the Year
- Mondo Duplantis (Sweden) – The pole vault world champion, pushing the limits of height with his innovative style and record-breaking feats. (His feats: https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/armand-duplantis)
- Mattia Furlani (Italy) – A long jump world champion whose explosive jumps land him at the top of his game. (Learn more: https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/mattia-furlani)
Women's Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year
- Peres Jepchirchir (Kenya) – The world marathon champion, conquering grueling distances with resilience that marathoners worldwide admire. (Her profile: https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/peres-jepchirchir)
- Maria Perez (Spain) – Double world champion in the 20km and 35km race walks, showcasing endurance and precision over vast distances. (Her achievements: https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/maria-perez)
Men's Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year
- Sabastian Sawe (Kenya) – A champion of major marathons like London and Berlin, proving his mettle on the world's toughest courses.
- Alphonce Simbu (Tanzania) – The world marathon champion, whose long-distance triumphs highlight the grit required for 26.2 miles. (His story: https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/alphonce-felix-simbu)
Now, for an extra layer of excitement, fan voting is live for the overall Men's and Women's World Athlete of the Year titles. It's your chance to weigh in—do you think track speedsters should dominate, or should the endurance heroes of out-of-stadium events get more love? This public vote adds a democratic twist, but here's the controversial angle: does it truly reflect merit, or is it swayed by social media buzz and popularity over pure athletic prowess? Some argue it's fair, giving fans a voice, while others say it dilutes the expertise of the judges. What do you think—should voting be exclusive to elites, or is crowd-sourced choice the future of sports honors?
As we await the November 30 ceremony, which of these athletes do you see taking home the ultimate prize? Are there hidden gems we missed in the selection? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the finalists, or is there a counterpoint brewing in your mind? Let's discuss!
