The race for one of athletics’ biggest honors is on. World Athletics has announced the nominees for the 2025 Men’s and Women’s Track Athlete of the Year awards, spotlighting a glittering cast of champions whose records and performances defined a remarkable season.
The shortlist, revealed on Monday, features five men and five women whose dominance lit up tracks across the globe, from the Diamond League circuit to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Fans now have the chance to cast their votes on World Athletics’ official social media platforms, with polling open until October 19.
In the women’s category, the lineup reflects both consistency and brilliance.
Dutch star Femke Bol headlines the list after an unbeaten campaign in the 400m hurdles that saw her capture both the World and Diamond League titles.
Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet earns her nod after a sensational double triumph in Tokyo, winning gold in the 5000m and 10,000m, while also breaking the 5000m world record.
American sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden enjoyed a flawless year, sweeping the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay titles at the World Championships, and finishing the season undefeated in the 100m.
Another Kenyan, Faith Kipyegon, continued her middle-distance dominance with a world record and gold in the 1500m, plus a silver in the 5000m.
Rounding off the list is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the United States, who showed unmatched versatility with titles in the 400m and 4x400m, alongside one of the fastest 400m times ever recorded.
The men’s field is just as competitive. American Rai Benjamin returns to the spotlight after winning the World 400m hurdles title and clocking two of the three fastest times of the year.
France’s Jimmy Gressier makes history as a European distance standout, winning the 10,000m world title and adding a 5000m bronze to his tally.
Sprint king Noah Lyles once again delivered on the grand stage, taking 200m and 4x100m gold in Tokyo while staying unbeaten over his favorite distance.
Fellow American Cordell Tinch dominated the 110m hurdles, sweeping both the World and Diamond League titles. Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi also makes the cut after an electric 800m season that brought him both global and Diamond League crowns.
The winners of the men’s and women’s Track Athlete of the Year awards will move forward into contention for the overall World Athlete of the Year honors, alongside the upcoming Field and Out of Stadium categories.
World Athletics will unveil the Field Athlete of the Year nominees on October 20, followed by the Out of Stadium nominees on October 27.
