World Athletics Awards 2023: Armand Duplantis and Faith Kipyegon Among Six Athletes of the Year

In a thrilling twist, the World Athletics Awards for 2023 have veered off their traditional path of singling out a sole male and female champion. Instead, this year, they have chosen to spread the glory across six exceptional categories, honoring a diverse array of talents in the world of sports. Let’s dive into the exhilarating details of this groundbreaking edition.

Duplantis Takes Flight: The Men’s Field Award

Armand Duplantis, the world-record holder in pole vaulting, once again soared to new heights. Having previously claimed the title of Athlete of the Year in 2020 and 2022, the Swedish sensation now clinches the inaugural men’s field award. His feats in 2023 included breaking the world record not once, but twice, and successfully defending his world title. Duplantis continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of athletics.

A Resplendent Roster of Winners

Joining Duplantis in the winners’ circle are five other outstanding athletes who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields:

1. Tigist Assefa: Hailing from Ethiopia, this 27-year-old marathon marvel secured the women’s out-of-stadium trophy. Her momentous victory came at the Berlin marathon, where she achieved the biggest single improvement in the women’s world record in four decades. Assefa’s dedication and determination have brought her well-deserved recognition.

2. Faith Kipyegon: The Kenyan sensation is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As the women’s track winner, she set world records at three different distances—1500m, 5,000m, and the mile. A golden double at the World Athletics Championships added to her glory. Kipyegon’s remarkable achievements in 2023 are a testament to her unmatched talent and relentless spirit.

3. Yulimar Rojas: A triple jump titan, the 28-year-old Venezuelan claimed her fourth world triple jump title and secured her third consecutive Diamond League trophy. Rojas continues to dominate the field with her extraordinary skills and unyielding determination.

4. Noah Lyles: The American sprinter, aged 26, secured the men’s track award by winning the 100m-200m double at the World Championships. Adding a 4x100m gold to his collection, Lyles’ bold performances in 2023 have left a lasting impact, propelling him to this prestigious honor.

5. Kelvin Kiptum: Kenya’s Kiptum, at 24 years old, etched his name in the record books by becoming the first athlete to break the two-hour-one-minute mark in a record-eligible marathon, a feat he accomplished in Chicago. Kiptum’s meteoric rise from borrowing shoes to breaking world records is an inspirational story that has captured the hearts of sports enthusiasts worldwide.

A Worthy Expansion

This year’s expansion of the World Athletics Awards, diversifying the categories to acknowledge excellence across various disciplines, is a step in the right direction. With 23 world records shattered in 2023 and an array of world titles and major marathon wins, it’s evident that the talent pool in athletics is deeper than ever.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe aptly summed it up, “The depth of talent and the outstanding performances in our sport this year more than justify the expansion of the World Athletics Awards to recognize the accomplishments by these six athletes across a range of disciplines.”

In conclusion, the World Athletics Awards for 2023 have illuminated the diverse and incredible talent within the world of sports. These athletes have not only broken records but have also inspired countless others with their dedication and passion. As we look forward to the next chapter in athletic excellence, one thing is clear: the future of sports is brighter than ever.

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