The 2023 World Athletics Awards took place on Monday, December 11, 2023 at Monte Carlo, Monaco. Interestingly, there was a welcome change to the original format, recognizing and awarding six athletes in three distinct performance areas. These areas included on-track, field and out of stadia performances. Three males and three females were awarded in the respective categories.
Noah Lyles of the United States of America copped the male athlete of the year for his on-track performances, while Armand Duplantis of Sweden copped the award in the field events category and Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya did same in the designated out-of-stadia category.
Kipyegon, Rojas and Assefa recognized
Consistent with popular expectations, Faith Kipyegon of Kenya won the World Athlete of the Year for her on-track performances, while Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela copped the award in the field events category and Tigist Assefa of Ethiopia did same in the designated out-of-stadia category.
Change in Format
The change in format is indeed an inclusive and progressive approach by World Athletics that should be celebrated by the track and field world. The eventual winners were truly deserving of their awards. No one can deny that Noah Lyles and Faith Kipyegon were the toasts in the track category. Equally, no one can deny that Arman Duplantis and Yulimar Rojas were the best selections in the field events category. Also, it is beyond debate that Kelvin Kiptum and Tigist Assefa were the best performers in the out-of-stadia category.
As we celebrate these successes, we must also congratulate Shericka Jackson of Jamaica, who thrilled the track and field world with some scintillating performances in both the 100m and 200m. We must also acknowledge the performances of Femke Bol of the Netherlands, who was very impressive throughout the 2023 season.
Henley Taylor (Sensenya Ben Nyah)
Freelance Sports Writer
Noah Lyles photo courtesy of Joe Swift Photography
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