The World Athletics Awards, organized by World Athletics, is an annual event to celebrate the best athletics talents in the sport. The event was first held in 1988. Several black athletes have dominated the awards after outstanding performances throughout the calendar year. That’s not changed in 2023. Keep reading to find out who bagged the accolades.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Buy running spikes on Amazon.
People Also Read: Head to Head of World Champions: Mbappe vs. Usain Bolt’s Speed
Emmanuel Wanyonyi
Kenyan teenage sensation Emmanuel Wanyonyi won the men’s Rising Star Award in the event. He was the Diamond League champion, finishing with a personal best of 1:42.80 in the 800m.
He also claimed victories in the Paris, Rabat, and Xiamen legs. Additionally, Wanyonyi was part of Kenya’s team that won the World Cross-Country mixed relay.
Noah Lyles
American sprinter Noah Lyles received the World Athlete of the Year in men’s track events. At the World Championships in Budapest, Lyles won individual gold medals in the 100m and 200m events. He added a third with Team USA in the 4 by 100m event.
He finished the 100m in a world lead time of 9.83. At the Diamond League in London, Lyles improved his time in the 200m, registering 19.47, lowering the time by 5 seconds. He holds the world-leading time in the event.
People Also Read: 8 Best Black Sports Podcasts You Must Listen To
Get football equipment from Amazon.
Faith Kipyegon
After an outstanding year of breaking world records, Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon was named the World Athlete of the Year for track events in the women’s category.
Her impeccable streak began in Florence, where she broke the 1500m record, finishing the race at a time of 3.49.11. She broke Genzebe Dibaba’s previous record of 3.50.37 set in Monaco in 2015.
She also broke Letesenbet Gidey’s world record in the 5000m, clocking 14.05.20 in Paris. Kipyegon no longer holds this record, as Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay broke it.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
The Kenyan wasn’t done. In Monaco, she broke the mile record set by Sifa Hassan (4.12.33), running 4.07.64. Kipyegon won a gold medal in the 1500m at the World Championships in Budapest.
Buy quality and affordable sports shoes on Amazon.
People Also Read: 7 Most Influential African Football Agents
Tigist Assefa
The Ethiopian was named the World Athlete of the Year out of stadia events. In September, Assefa set a new world record in the women’s marathon in Berlin. She broke Sifa Hassan’s record of 2.13.14 by 2 minutes and 14 seconds, crossing the finishing line in 2.11.53.
She also set the biggest winning margin of six minutes. Assefa seemed to be within the world record sights. In 2022, she finished this marathon at 2.15.37, the third fastest time in women’s marathon.
People Also Read: How Much Is Deontay Wilder Worth?
Faith Cherotich
Faith Cherotich won the female Rising Star Award at the World Athletics Awards event. The 19-year-old won the bronze medal at the 2021 World U20 Championship and a gold in the 2022 event.
After the Diamond League finals, she ranked second in the U20 all-time list after finishing 8.59.65. She came in fourth at the U20 World Cross Country Championships.
Join our Spotcovery Global Black Community Facebook Group for early access to exclusive content and to share in a lively discussion.
Kelvin Kiptum
Another athlete who was recognized during the World Athletics Awards is Kelvin Kiptum. He’s the World Athlete of the Year for out-of-stadia competitions. He’s the marathon world record holder after he broke Eliud Kipchoge’s record of 2.01.09 set in Berlin in 2022. Kiptum ran 2.00.35 at the Chicago Marathon and was the first man to run under 2.01.
The World Athletics Awards showed Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running. These athletes deserve their awards and their fans will expect more in the coming years, especially with the 2024 Olympics in sight.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Nearly 80% of consumers visit directories with reviews to find a local business. List your business for free in our exclusive Spotcovery Black-Owned Business Directory.
Spotcovery offers unique and fresh daily content on Black culture, lifestyle, and experiences. We talk about everything black, black people, black-owned and black-owned businesses. We also deliver authentic and relevant content that will inform, inspire, and empower you! The future of black media is critical to today’s black experience! Our primary audience includes African Americans, Africans, Afro-Caribbean, and people of African heritage. Black culture is for the culture!
