Jefferson-Wooden, Chebet, McLaughlin-Levrone, Lyles, and Wanyonyi Headline World Athlete of the Year Nominees
World Athletics has announced its shortlist for the 2025 Track Athlete of the Year awards, and the spotlight is firmly on five electrifying athletes whose performances have defined the season.
From sprint dominance to record-breaking endurance, these stars have not only captured titles but also the imagination of fans across the globe.
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden of the United States has emerged as the sprint queen of 2025, sweeping gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay at the World Championships in Tokyo.
Undefeated in the 100m all season, she posted the top five times globally, cementing her status as the fastest woman on the planet.
Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet stunned the distance world with a historic double, claiming world titles in both the 5000m and 10,000m. Her crowning moment came with a new world record in the 5000m, a feat that elevated her to legendary status in long-distance running.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone continued her reign in the 400m and 400m hurdles, adding world titles in both events and anchoring the U.S. to gold in the 4x400m relay.
Her 400m time ranks as the second fastest ever, and she remains unbeaten across both disciplines.
On the men’s side, Noah Lyles reaffirmed his sprint supremacy with gold in the 200m and 4x100m relay, plus a bronze in the 100m.
Undefeated in the 200m, Lyles also clinched the Diamond League title, showcasing his consistency and flair on the global stage.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi of Kenya dominated the 800m, winning both the World Championship and Diamond League titles. With four of the top six performances of the year, the 21-year-old has become the new face of middle distance running.
Others also nominated include Femke Bol of the Netherlands who won the World and Diamond League 400m hurdles titles and Kenyan, Faith Kipyegon who won gold in the 1500m at the World Championships and silver in the 5000m.
For the men, USA’s Rai Benjamin, the World 400m hurdles champion, Jimmy Gressier of France, the World 10,000m champion and 5000m bronze medalist and American high hurdler,
Cordell Tinch, the reigning World and Diamond League 110m hurdles champion also made the shortlist.
