Faith Kipyegon, the world record holder in the 1,500m and mile, has earned a nomination for the Female World Athlete of the Year award from World Athletics.
This prestigious award is presented to athletes participating in various athletic events within the purview of World Athletics, which encompasses track and field, cross-country running, road running, and race-walking.
World Athletics recently revealed the list of nominees for the Female World Athlete of the Year award, consisting of 11 exceptional athletes who have showcased their talents at championships such as the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, one-day meeting circuits, label road races, and numerous global events.
Faith Kipyegon’s nomination is a result of her remarkable performance at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where she achieved an unprecedented feat by winning both the 1,500m and 5,000m races, becoming the first female athlete in the history of the championships to accomplish this double accolade.
Kipyegon faces formidable competitors in the race for the Female World Athlete of the Year award. Tigist Assefa of Ethiopia, the female world marathon record holder, is among the contenders with her impressive time of 2:11:53, set at the Berlin Marathon in September.
Tsegay Gudaf of Ethiopia, the world record holder in the 5,000m during the 2023 final Diamond League, also adds to the competition. USA’s Sha’carri Richardson and Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Winfred Yavi are nominated as well.
The list of nominees further includes Yaroslava Mahuchikh, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist in the high jump; Venezuelan Yulimar Rojas, who holds the world record for women’s triple jump; Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, boasting five Olympic medals and eight World Championships medals; Maria Perez from Spain, winner of the 35km walk in Budapest; and Femke Bol, the 2023 world champion in the 400m.
The voting process for the World Athletes of the Year will conclude on October 28, with the announcement of five female and five male finalists by World Athletics scheduled for November 13 and 14.
The results will be determined based on a combination of votes, with 50% from World Athletics, 25% from the public, and 25% from the athletics family. The official winners will be revealed on December 11 through World Athletics’ social media platforms.
