In an exciting ceremony held in Monaco, World Athletics revealed the standout performers of the year. Faith Kipyegon and Noah Lyles were Crowned 2023 World Athletics claiming the prestigious titles of Women’s and Men’s World Athletes of the Year, respectively, amidst a field of remarkable talents. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised the extraordinary accomplishments across various disciplines. He specifically underscored the expansion of the World Athletics Awards to honor six outstanding athletes.
“The depth of talent and the outstanding performances in our sport this year more than justify the expansion of the World Athletics Awards to recognise the accomplishments by these six athletes across a range of disciplines,”
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe
2023 World Athletes of the Year
- Women’s Track: Faith Kipyegon from Kenya, excelled in the 1500m/mile/5000m
- Women’s Field: Yulimar Rojas from Venezuela, dominated in the triple jump
- Women’s Out of Stadia: Tigist Assefa from Ethiopia, showcasing brilliance in the marathon
- Women’s Rising Star: Faith Cherotich from Kenya, shining in the steeplechase
- Men’s Track: Noah Lyles representing the USA, triumphing in the 100m/200m
- Men’s Field: Mondo Duplantis from Sweden, soaring high in the pole vault
- Men’s Out of Stadia: Kelvin Kiptum from Kenya, excelling in the marathon
- Men’s Rising Star: Emmanuel Wanyonyi from Kenya, emerged with prowess in the 800m
Kipyegon’s exceptional year included smashing the 1500m and 5000m world records and seizing gold in both events at the 2023 World Athletics Championships. Meanwhile, Noah Lyles stamped his dominance with three gold medals at the Worlds. He clinched victories in the 100m, and 200m, and anchored Team USA’s victorious 4x100m relay squad.
Other Awards
The ceremony also celebrated other phenomenal athletes, with Tigst Assefa (World Athlete of the Year – Women’s Out of Stadia), Yulimar Rojas (World Athlete of the Year – Women’s Field), Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis (World Athlete of the Year – Men’s Field), and Kelvin Kiptum (World Athlete of the Year – Men’s Out of Stadia) securing well-deserved accolades.
Highlighting Kenya’s prowess, Rising Stars of the Year awards, Faith Cherotich and Emmanuel Wanyonyi won. This reaffirms the nation’s dominance in athletics.
Notably, the winners were determined through a comprehensive ballot system, comprising votes from the World Athletics Council (50%), the World Athletics Family (25%), and public participation (25%).
This year’s winners follow in the footsteps of last year’s champions, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Duplantis. They all showcase the consistency of excellence within the global athletic community.
Bottomline
The World Athletics President, Sebastian Coe, praised the six athletes’ outstanding performances, justifying the expansion of the awards. He highlighted the incredible achievements of the World Athletes of the Year. The athletes collectively secured seven world records and multiple major wins. Among them, 29-year-old Kipyegon set records in the 1500m, 5000m, and mile, and won two golds at Worlds. An incredible feat. Without a doubt, Faith Kipyegon and Noah Lyles Crowned 2023 World Athletics showcases their dominance this year.