In 2023, the World Athletics Awards named six individuals as Athletes of the Year, a departure from its previous format of selecting just one male and one female athlete. Among them was Armand Duplantis, a world-record pole vaulter, who received the first-ever award in the men’s field category. Duplantis, a two-time Athlete of the Year in 2020 and 2022, continued his remarkable form this year.
The list of awardees included the likes of Tigist Assefa, Faith Kipyegon, Yulimar Rojas, Noah Lyles, and Kelvin Kiptum. This change in award categories was influenced by feedback during the voting process and the setting of 23 world records this year. The awards now celebrate achievements in three categories for both men and women: track, field, and out of stadia.
Significantly, Duplantis, Kiptum, Assefa, and Kipyegon broke world records in their events in 2023. All six winners also clinched world titles or triumphed in major marathons.
Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, emphasized the extraordinary talent and performances in the sport this year. He noted that the expansion of the awards was a fitting response to acknowledge these athletes’ remarkable accomplishments across various disciplines.
Armand Duplantis of Sweden, at just 24 years old, broke his own world record twice in 2023 and successfully defended his world title. Ethiopia’s Assefa, 27, took home the women’s out of stadia trophy, having won the Berlin marathon and made the largest single improvement in the women’s world record in 40 years.
Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, recognized as the women’s track winner, set world records in the 1500m, 5,000m, and the mile. At 29, she achieved a golden double at the World Athletics Championships. Yulimar Rojas, the 28-year-old Venezuelan, won her fourth world triple jump title and secured her third consecutive Diamond League trophy.
American sprinter Noah Lyles, aged 26, was awarded the men’s track prize. He achieved a 100m-200m double at the World Championships and added a 4x100m relay gold to his accolades.
Finally, Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum, also 24, was honored in the men’s out of stadia category for his record-breaking marathon performance in Chicago, becoming the first to complete a record-eligible marathon in under two hours and one minute.
These awards not only celebrated record-breaking performances but also underscored the athletes’ dedication and exceptional talent in their respective fields.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about World Athletics Awards 2023
Who were the six athletes named as the Athletes of the Year at the World Athletics Awards 2023?
The six athletes named as Athletes of the Year at the World Athletics Awards 2023 were Armand Duplantis, Tigist Assefa, Faith Kipyegon, Yulimar Rojas, Noah Lyles, and Kelvin Kiptum.
What significant change occurred in the World Athletics Awards format in 2023?
In 2023, the World Athletics Awards shifted from recognizing just one male and one female athlete to honoring six athletes across different categories, including track, field, and out of stadia events.
What are some key achievements of Armand Duplantis in 2023?
Armand Duplantis, in 2023, broke the world pole vault record twice and defended his world title, earning him a place among the Athletes of the Year.
How did Tigist Assefa and Kelvin Kiptum make history in 2023?
Tigist Assefa made history by winning the Berlin marathon with the biggest single improvement in the women’s world record for 40 years, while Kelvin Kiptum broke the two-hour-one-minute barrier in a record-eligible marathon in Chicago.
What unique achievements did Faith Kipyegon accomplish in 2023?
Faith Kipyegon set world records in three distances – 1500m, 5,000m, and the mile – and secured a golden double at the World Athletics Championships in 2023.
More about World Athletics Awards 2023
- World Athletics Official Website
- Armand Duplantis Profile and Achievements
- Tigist Assefa’s Marathon Records
- Faith Kipyegon’s 2023 Milestones
- Yulimar Rojas: Triple Jump Champion
- Noah Lyles’ Track Success
- Kelvin Kiptum’s Marathon Record Breaking Feat
5 comments
Noah Lyles is such a beast on the track! The way he dominated the 100m and 200m at the World Championships was just phenomenal. He’s definitely one of the best sprinters we’ve seen in a long time.
Yulimar Rojas has been my idol for years! Her fourth world triple jump title is just proof of her incredible talent and hard work. So inspiring to watch.
Faith Kipyegon is just on another level. Setting world records in three distances in one year? That’s just unheard of! These athletes are really pushing the boundaries of the sport.
Wow, these athletes are just incredible! Duplantis is a real superstar in pole vault, breaking records like it’s nothing. This year’s awards were super exciting with all the new records and categories. Can’t wait to see what they do next!
Tigist Assefa’s performance in Berlin was just mind-blowing. She’s totally redefined what’s possible in marathon running. And Kelvin Kiptum, breaking the two-hour-one-minute barrier? Absolutely insane!