Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon crowned 2023 Women's World Athlete of the Year for Track Events
Notably, fellow Kenyan athletes Emanuel Wanyonyi and Faith Cherotich also celebrated victories, securing the Male and Female Rising Star of the Year awards, respectively.
Faith Kipyegon, the holder of world records in the 1500m and 5000m events, has been crowned the Women's World Athlete of the Year for track events in a remarkable 2023 season at the World Athletics Awards in Monaco.
Kipyegon, widely anticipated to clinch the prestigious award, faced stiff competition but emerged victorious, becoming the first Kenyan woman to receive this accolade since its establishment in 1988. The previous year's recipient was United States’ 400m hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.
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World Athlete of the Year - Women’s Track 👑
Faith Kipyegon 🇰🇪 is your World Athlete of the Year for track events 👏 #AthleticsAwards pic.twitter.com/Tuw6RGAf8t
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) December 11, 2023
The 29-year-old mother has broken three world records in the 1500m, mile, and 5000m events. Her stellar performance continued at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where she secured two world championship titles. Kipyegon successfully defended her title in the 1500m and claimed her first world championship over 5000m, facing one of the most competitive fields in the event's history.
Notably, fellow Kenyan athletes Emanuel Wanyonyi and Faith Cherotich also celebrated victories, securing the Male and Female Rising Star of the Year awards, respectively.
Throughout the year, Kipyegon pushed the boundaries of distance running, achieving feats that were once deemed nearly impossible. She became the first woman to complete the 1500m in under three minutes and 50 seconds (3:49:11). Additionally, she made history by running a sub-4:10 mile, clocking in at 4:07.64 during the Monaco Diamond League in July.
Male Rising Star winner 👑
Emmanuel Wanyonyi 🇰🇪 is your Male Rising Star of the Year 🙌#AthleticsAwards pic.twitter.com/BOrqsCi99i
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) December 11, 2023
Female Rising Star winner 👑
Faith Cherotich 🇰🇪 is your Female Rising Star of the Year 🙌#AthleticsAwards pic.twitter.com/Xl1yIEMzUC
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) December 11, 2023
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