Kenyan Athletic Stars Nominated for Prestigious World Athletics Awards

Two Kenyan athletes have been nominated for the World Athletics’ Track Athlete of the Year award in the women’s category following their exceptional performances in 2024.

Faith Kipyegon, who has made history as the only female athlete to win three Olympic gold medals in the 1500m, adds this nomination to her impressive list of achievements. Kipyegon is also a world record holder and world champion.

Joining her in the nominations is Beatrice Chebet, who holds the world record in the 10,000m and secured an impressive double Olympic gold in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Notably absent from the nominations is Winfred Yavi, the Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete who claimed Olympic gold in the 3,000m steeplechase.

The nominations reflect outstanding performances from throughout the year, including achievements at:

• The 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• World Athletics Indoor Championships
• One-day meeting circuits
• Various other international athletics events

The nominated athletes have contributed to what has been described as another memorable year for the sport.

The Nominees for 2024 Women’s Track Athlete of the Year are (in Alphabetical Order):

Julien Alfred, Saint Lucia

• Olympic 100m champion 
• World indoor 60m champion 

Beatrice Chebet, Kenya

• Olympic 5000m and 10,000m champion
• World 10,000m record

Faith Kipyegon, Kenya

• Olympic 1500m champion
• World 1500m record

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, USA

• Olympic 400m hurdles and 4x400m champion 
• World 400m hurdles record

Marileidy Paulino, Dominican Republic

• Olympic 400m champion
• Diamond League 400m champion

Gabby Thomas, USA

• Olympic 200m champion
• Olympic 4x100m and 4x400m champion

The Nominees for 2024 Men’s Track Athlete of the Year are (in Alphabetical Order):

Rai Benjamin, USA

• Olympic 400m hurdles and 4x400m champion
• World 400m hurdles leader 

Grant Holloway, USA

• Olympic 110m hurdles champion
• World indoor 60m hurdles champion and world record 

Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Norway

• Olympic 5000m champion
• World 3000m record 

Noah Lyles, USA

• Olympic 100m champion
• Olympic 200m bronze 

Letsile Tebogo, Botswana

• Olympic 200m champion
• World 200m leader

Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Kenya

• Olympic 800m champion
• Diamond League 800m champion The vote to determine the Track Athlete of the Year finalists is now open on World Athletics social media platforms – on Facebook, Instagram, and X. It will close on 27 October.