Noah Lyles is up against Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi for the 2025 World Athletics Male Athlete of the Year award.
American sprint star Noah Lyles is optimistic about his chances of winning the 2025 World Athletics Male Track Athlete of the Year award, despite facing stiff competition from Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the rising middle-distance sensation.
Lyles, who recently clinched his fourth consecutive 200m World Championship title, reflected on his nomination with a mix of surprise and confidence.
“I was just so focused on trying to be in the best shape of my career for Worlds that I didn’t get to look at the season as a whole,” Lyles said on WWD.
“Now that I’m looking back, I actually got a pretty good chance of winning this thing,” Lyles said, acknowledging the extent of his accomplishments this season.
The 28-year-old sprinter enjoyed an outstanding championship, winning gold in the 200m and the 4x100m relay, while also securing a bronze in the 100m at the World Athletics Championships. This unbeaten 200m streak throughout the season, combined with his sixth Diamond League title, solidifies his place among the sport’s elite.
Coach Lance Brauman praised Lyles’ return to form after overcoming injury setbacks earlier in the year. “I thought Noah did a very good job of getting back to the point where he could get on the medal stand and then put himself in a position to win the 200m,” Brauman noted.
Lyles’ ability to bounce back mentally and physically was key. “I was in a better position mentally and physically, and I was able to quickly adapt,” Lyles explained, reflecting on the growth that has helped him overcome anxiety and injury challenges.
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However, his fiercest rival, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, has made a compelling case for the award. The 21-year-old Kenyan middle-distance runner dominated the 800m this year, capturing both Olympic and World Championship gold medals, and setting championship records along the way.
Wanyonyi’s rise in the 800m has been nothing short of spectacular, positioning him as one of the sport’s brightest talents after he won his maiden world title in the event, and clocked the joint second fastest time in the event, just a year after winning the Olympic title.
Despite Wanyonyi’s dominance in his specialty, Lyles believes his broader sprinting success across multiple events gives him an edge. “Some good points,” he joked when reviewing his season’s achievements, highlighting his versatility in the 100m, 200m, and relay events.
Beyond the track, Lyles has been a transformative figure in athletics, blending performance with personality. From pioneering “tunnel style” fashion walks to embracing gaming and anime culture, he has broadened the sport’s appeal to younger, more diverse audiences.
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As 2025 draws to a close, fans and experts eagerly await the results of the Male Athlete of the Year vote, which incorporates input from the World Athletics Council, athletes, and fans worldwide.
For Lyles, the nomination is more than just recognition—it is validation of his hard work and resilience. “I think 2026 will be very big,” he said confidently, hinting at ambitious plans beyond this year.
The final decision will determine whether Lyles’ sprinting mastery or Wanyonyi’s middle-distance brilliance claims the coveted honor, but one thing is clear: both athletes have firmly established themselves at the pinnacle of global track and field.
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