Letsile Tebogo and Sifan Hassan Named Athletes of the Year

Letsile Tebogo and Sifan Hassan received the titles of male and female athlete of the year at the World Athletics Awards in Monaco. Tebogo, who also earned male track athlete of the year made history as Botswana’s first Olympic champion in Paris. He won the 200m in an African record time of 19.46 seconds. The 21-year-old also helped set a new African record in the men’s 4x400m relay where he claimed silver.

Reflecting on the year, Letsile Tebogo expressed gratitude for the fans’ support, saying, “It feels amazing to know that the fans are always there for us athletes.” Hassan from the Netherlands, delivered a remarkable performance in Paris winning bronze in both the 5,000m and 10,000m and gold in the women’s marathon. Her victory made her the first athlete in 72 years to win medals in all three events at the same Games.

Hassan also earned the title of female out-of-stadium athlete of the year. Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola, who won men’s marathon gold in Paris received the male award. Hassan expressed surprise at her recognition, stating, “I never thought I was going to win this one. This year was crazy.” American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who set a new world record in the 400m hurdles, took home the female track athlete of the year award.

Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis, who broke his own pole vault world record claimed male field athlete of the year while Ukrainian high jump gold medallist Yaroslava Mahuchikh received the female field athlete award. These athletes earned recognition for their exceptional performances in a groundbreaking year for athletics.