The 12 Athlete of the Year finalists have been confirmed, as the countdown to the World Athletics Awards 2025 continues.
The top two athletes in each category – track, field and out of stadium – have been chosen from the first round of voting, which comprised votes from the World Athletics Council, World Athletics Family and a public vote on social media. One of the two athletes will take the crown in their category.
A final round of voting – cast by fans of the sport – will now take place between 4-9 November to help select the overall women’s and men’s World Athlete of the Year.
Women’s track athlete of the year
Femke Bol (NED) – world 400m hurdles champion
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) – world 400m champion
Men’s track athlete of the year
Noah Lyles (USA) – world 200m champion
Emmanuel Wanyonyi (KEN) – world 800m champion
Women’s field athlete of the year
Tara Davis-Woodhall (USA) – world long jump champion
Nicola Olyslagers (AUS) – world high jump champion
Men’s field athlete of the year
Mondo Duplantis (SWE) – world pole vault champion
Mattia Furlani (ITA) – world long jump champion
Women’s out of stadium athlete of the year
Peres Jepchirchir (KEN) – world marathon champion
Maria Perez (ESP) – world 20km and 35km race walk champion
Men’s out of stadium athlete of the year
Sabastian Sawe (KEN) – London Marathon and Berlin Marathon champion
Alphonce Simbu (TAN) – world marathon champion
The Athletes of the Year in each category, as well as the overall winners, will be revealed at a ceremony in Monaco on Sunday 30 November as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025.
World Athletics
In a moment so dramatic it redefined endurance running, Alphonce Simbu delivered a finish for the ages at the Tokyo World Championships.
After 42.195 grueling kilometers, the men's marathon came down to a breathtaking sprint inside the National Stadium.
The Race: A tactical masterclass through the streets of Tokyo.
The Moment: A stunning, last-second surge and a full-body lunge across the line.
The Verdict: A photo finish confirmed it—Alphonce Simbu won Tanzania's first-ever World Championship gold medal by the closest margin in history: a mere 0.03 seconds!
This was the ultimate test of heart, kick, and grit, crowning Simbu the undisputed World Marathon Champion.
Now, he's a nominee for the prestigious World Athletics Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year award.
A marathon decided like a 100m sprint! His historic victory against German Amanal Petros is a testament to unwavering determination that deserves the world's highest honor.
Your Vote Counts! Help celebrate this incredible, history-making moment! Cast your vote for the man who proved that in the marathon, the last three hundredths of a second are all that matters.
#VoteSimbu #WorldChampion #OutOfStadiumAOY #AthleticsAwards
The 12 Athlete of the Year finalists have been confirmed, as the countdown to the World Athletics Awards 2025 continues.
The top two athletes in each category – track, field and out of stadium – have been chosen from the first round of voting, which comprised votes from the World Athletics Council, World Athletics Family and a public vote on social media. One of the two athletes will take the crown in their category.
A final round of voting – cast by fans of the sport – will now take place between 4-9 November to help select the overall women’s and men’s World Athlete of the Year.
Women’s track athlete of the year
Femke Bol (NED) – world 400m hurdles champion
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) – world 400m champion
Men’s track athlete of the year
Noah Lyles (USA) – world 200m champion
Emmanuel Wanyonyi (KEN) – world 800m champion
Women’s field athlete of the year
Tara Davis-Woodhall (USA) – world long jump champion
Nicola Olyslagers (AUS) – world high jump champion
Men’s field athlete of the year
Mondo Duplantis (SWE) – world pole vault champion
Mattia Furlani (ITA) – world long jump champion
Women’s out of stadium athlete of the year
Peres Jepchirchir (KEN) – world marathon champion
Maria Perez (ESP) – world 20km and 35km race walk champion
Men’s out of stadium athlete of the year
Sabastian Sawe (KEN) – London Marathon and Berlin Marathon champion
Alphonce Simbu (TAN) – world marathon champion
The Athletes of the Year in each category, as well as the overall winners, will be revealed at a ceremony in Monaco on Sunday 30 November as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025.
World Athletics
This year, Alphonce Simbu delivered a performance for the history books!
🇹🇿 Make History with Tanzania's Marathon Champion! 🇹🇿
His season highlight was a breathtaking, photo-finish victory in the World Marathon Championships in Tokyo, securing Tanzania's first-ever gold medal at a World Athletics Championships! A true display of grit, endurance, and a final, unforgettable kick.
🥇 World Marathon Champion (Tokyo 2025)
🥈 Boston Marathon Runner-up
A Season of Relentless Endurance
He is a finalist for the prestigious World Athletics Men's Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year award. This is the time to honor his journey and remarkable 2025 season!
Help crown the champion who brought home historic gold!
How to Vote: The final round of fan voting for the overall World Athlete of the Year (which includes all category winners) is open!
Visit the World Athletics official voting channels (check their website or social media platforms like Facebook, X/Twitter, or Instagram for the link).
Cast your vote for Alphonce Simbu!
Voting deadline is imminent! Don't miss your chance to support a legend!
#VoteSimbu #WorldAthleticsAwards #MarathonKing #Tanzania
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