Kenya delivered a commanding performance on the global stage at the 2025 World Athletics Awards in Monaco, with the nation’s excellence in middle-distance and long-distance running once again taking centre stage. The highlight of the ceremony was the crowning of Emmanuel Wanyonyi as the Men’s Track Athlete of the Year, a recognition earned through an extraordinary season in the 800 metres.
Wanyonyi, still only in his early twenties, produced one of the most dominant campaigns in recent memory. He clocked four of the six fastest times globally in 2025, headlined by a sensational 1:41.44 world-leading performance in Monaco. His consistency and composure under pressure powered him to the world title in Tokyo and the prestigious Diamond League trophy, cementing his status as the world’s pre-eminent two-lap runner.
Kenya’s success did not end there. Marathon powerhouse Sabastian Sawe was honoured as the Men’s Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year after completing an exemplary unbeaten season on the roads. His victories in both the London and Berlin Marathons defined his year, with his Berlin triumph producing a world-leading 2:02:16, one of the fastest marathon times ever recorded.
The nation’s promising future was also celebrated. Edmund Serem, the 17-year-old steeplechase sensation, received the Men’s Rising Star Award. Serem caught the world’s attention with a World Championship bronze medal and a series of highly competitive Diamond League appearances, signalling the emergence of Kenya’s next elite steeplechaser.
Adding to the country’s accolades, Ruth Jepchumba Bundotich was named Woman of the Year, a distinction that recognises her outstanding influence, leadership, and advocacy within the athletics community. Her work in athlete mentorship and development has elevated her profile both locally and internationally.
Despite Kenya’s impressive medal haul, the evening’s top honours, World Athletes of the Year, went to two global icons: Mondo Duplantis of Sweden and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the United States.
- Duplantis, the pole vault phenomenon, set four world records in 2025 and completed his second consecutive undefeated season, extending his historic dominance in the event.
- McLaughlin-Levrone continued to redefine the limits of the one-lap races, excelling in both the 400m hurdles and 400m flat, and claiming the world title in 47.78, a North American record.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe lauded the achievements of all honorees, emphasizing that 2025—capped by the Tokyo World Championships—was one of the most commercially successful and widely broadcasted seasons in the sport’s history. He described the awards as a celebration of the athletes who carried the sport to new global heights.
Other major award recipients included:
- Nicola Olyslagers (Australia) – Women’s Field Athlete of the Year
- Maria Perez (Spain) – Women’s Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year
- Zhang Jiale (China) – Women’s Rising Star
- Bruce McAvaney (Australia) – President’s Award for decades of excellence in sports broadcasting
Kenya’s immense presence at the ceremony underscored the nation’s continued dominance in distance running and its rising influence across global athletics.
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