The countdown to one of athletics’ most prestigious honors has officially begun, as World Athletics unveiled the nominees for the 2025 Track Athlete of the Year. This year’s list celebrates a glittering array of global stars who have electrified stadiums, broken barriers, and redefined excellence across every discipline on the track. From blazing sprinters to indomitable middle-distance warriors, the nominations reflect a season of unforgettable performances and fierce rivalries that captivated the sporting world.
Leading the men’s field is Noah Lyles (USA), who continues to personify consistency and showmanship in sprinting. The charismatic American clocked a scintillating 19.27 seconds in the 200m this season—just shy of his personal best—and successfully defended his Diamond League title with signature flair. Lyles’ dominance and charisma have made him a fan favorite, but he faces stiff competition from compatriot Erriyon Knighton, whose smooth stride and blistering speed helped him capture world titles in both the 100m and 4x100m relay.
Also earning a nod is Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway), who reasserted his command in middle-distance running. The reigning Olympic champion displayed tactical brilliance throughout 2025, setting a new European record in the 1500m and posting one of the fastest indoor miles ever. His fierce battles with Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot revived the classic 1500m rivalries that fans have long missed.
Representing Africa’s distance dominance, Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda) and Selemon Barega (Ethiopia) also make the list. Cheptegei returned to form this season with a stunning 10,000m victory at the Diamond League final, while Barega delivered a masterclass of endurance at the World Indoor Championships. Both men embody the relentless spirit that continues to make African distance running a cornerstone of global athletics.
On the women’s side, the nominations highlight a powerful blend of experience and emerging brilliance. Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) headlines the list after another astonishing season in which she shattered the world record in the 1500m (3:49.04) and completed a clean sweep of major titles. Her grace, humility, and dominance have redefined what’s possible in women’s middle-distance racing.
The United States’ Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is once again among the favorites, having extended her own 400m hurdles world record to an unbelievable 50.98 seconds while also excelling in the flat 400m. Her versatility and technical mastery have set new standards for hurdling and all-around athletic performance.
Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson joins the shortlist after a blistering 10.65 in the 100m and a world-leading 21.41 in the 200m, further cementing her place among the sprinting elite. Her rival Sha’Carri Richardson (USA), the reigning world champion, is also a strong contender after dominating the Diamond League circuit with consistency and charisma that ignited fan excitement around the globe.
Rounding out the women’s list is Femke Bol (Netherlands), who conquered both the 400m hurdles and the flat 400m with extraordinary precision and endurance. Her record-breaking indoor campaign and Diamond League heroics made her one of the year’s most complete athletes.
Voting for the Track Athlete of the Year will combine input from the World Athletics Council, the World Athletics Family, and global fans, ensuring a fair and balanced reflection of excellence both on and off the track. The winners will be unveiled at the World Athletics Awards Gala later this year, a ceremony that promises to honor not just speed and strength—but the passion, perseverance, and unity that define the sport.
As the world waits to see who takes home the coveted crown, one thing is clear: 2025 has been a year where track and field reached dazzling new heights.
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