The anticipation has reached fever pitch as World Athletics officially announced the finalists for the 2025 Men’s Rising Star Award, recognizing the brightest young talents who have lit up the global stage over the past season. These athletes, all under the age of 20, have captured hearts and headlines alike with their fearless performances, record-breaking runs, and moments of pure sporting brilliance.
This year’s shortlist reflects the incredible depth of emerging talent across track and field. From blazing sprinters to versatile jumpers and distance prodigies, the competition for this prestigious honor is fierce — and fans are already debating who deserves the crown.
Leading the nominations is Erriyon Knighton (USA), the 21-year-old sprint sensation who continues to redefine the boundaries of youthful excellence. Although he has been in the spotlight since his teenage years, Knighton’s consistency and maturity on the international stage have been nothing short of remarkable. His 2025 season saw him clock lightning-fast times in the 200m, including a sub-19.7 performance that reminded fans of a young Usain Bolt. While technically past the under-20 bracket, his impact on the next generation continues to inspire young athletes globally, keeping his name resonant in Rising Star discussions.
Another strong contender is Issam Asinga (Suriname), who made a stunning return to the track after suspension controversy last year. Asinga’s performances in 2025 have proven his talent beyond doubt — his explosive starts and fearless finishes saw him dominate regional meets and place highly in Diamond League appearances. Many believe his comeback story embodies the spirit of resilience and redemption that the Rising Star Award seeks to celebrate.
From Africa, Emmanuel Wanyonyi (Kenya) stands tall as one of the most electrifying 800m runners in recent memory. The reigning world silver medalist has transitioned seamlessly from junior to senior level, showing tactical brilliance and incredible strength over the two-lap race. His blend of youth and composure has made him a fan favorite, and his ability to push established stars like Marco Arop and Djamel Sedjati to their limits has earned him global respect.
Europe’s representative among the finalists, Mattia Furlani (Italy), has been a revelation in the field events. The young long jumper soared beyond 8.30m multiple times this season, setting new personal bests and challenging senior athletes at major meets. His elegance on the runway, combined with his technical mastery, has drawn comparisons to legends like Iván Pedroso. For Italy, his rise symbolizes the new era of field event dominance.
Completing the lineup is Letsile Tebogo (Botswana) — the poster boy of African sprinting’s new generation. Tebogo has dazzled spectators with his 100m and 200m performances, showing both style and swagger on the track. His bronze medal in the 100m at the 2025 World Championships and his record-breaking African marks have made him one of the most marketable young stars in world athletics.
The 2025 Men’s Rising Star Award will be presented at the World Athletics Awards Gala later this month, where fans, coaches, and legends of the sport will gather to celebrate the year’s achievements. Whether it’s Tebogo’s speed, Wanyonyi’s endurance, Furlani’s grace, or Asinga’s comeback — one thing is certain: the future of athletics is in safe hands.
Each of these young men represents more than just potential; they embody the next chapter of excellence. Whichever name is announced as the winner, the 2025 season will be remembered as the year the stars of tomorrow truly arrived. 🌍🏅
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