In a surprising twist, Kenya’s middle-distance queen Faith Kipyegon and long-distance star Beatrice Chebet were left out of the final shortlist for the 2025 World Athletics Awards. The decision shocked many fans who expected the two world record holders to feature prominently.
Instead, World Athletics announced on Tuesday, November 4, that only three Kenyan athletes—Peres Jepchirchir, Sebastian Sawe, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi—made it to the 12-member global finalists’ list.
Kenya Shines at 2025 World Athletics Awards Despite Big Omissions
The 2025 World Athletics Awards will be held on November 30 in Monaco, France, honoring the world’s top performers of the season. World Athletics confirmed the finalists after tallying votes from fans, media, and officials.
Peres Jepchirchir, the world marathon record holder, earned her place in the Women’s World Athlete of the Year category. Her consistent brilliance across the marathon circuit, including her gold medal at the World Championships in Tokyo and a third-place finish in the London Marathon, cemented her reputation as one of the sport’s most reliable performers.
Sebastian Sawe and Emmanuel Wanyonyi also made the final cut in the men’s category. Sawe’s dominance in long-distance road races, with victories in both the London and Berlin Marathons, earned him recognition on the global stage.
Wanyonyi, on the other hand, continued his rise to fame after winning the World 800 metres title and the Diamond League crown, marking him as Kenya’s next great middle-distance hope.
Kipyegon’s Omission Leaves Fans in Disbelief
Faith Kipyegon’s exclusion left many stunned. The two-time Olympic champion had an extraordinary season, capturing gold in the 1500 metres, silver in the 5000 metres, and breaking her own 1500 metres world record.
Her dominance on the track made her a clear favorite for a nomination, and her omission raised eyebrows among athletics followers worldwide. Despite not being shortlisted, Kipyegon remains a national hero and one of the most decorated female athletes in Kenya’s history. Her remarkable consistency and sportsmanship have continued to inspire upcoming athletes.
Analysts speculate that her absence from the list could be due to a voting shift toward newer world champions or broader representation among different regions.
Chebet’s Double Gold Not Enough
Beatrice Chebet’s exclusion was equally surprising. The 24-year-old dominated the distance track events in 2025, winning double gold in the 5000 metres and 10,000 metres and breaking the 5000 metres world record.
Many athletics fans expected her to feature among the top contenders, given her impressive performances throughout the season. Chebet’s season was defined by consistency and power, often outpacing her rivals by wide margins.
Her achievements placed Kenya at the center of global athletics conversations, reinforcing the nation’s long-standing reputation for producing world-class long-distance runners. Her absence, however, has stirred debate among Kenyan sports analysts, with some questioning the fairness of the selection process.
Jepchirchir, Wanyonyi, and Sawe Fly the Kenyan Flag
While Kipyegon and Chebet’s omission drew disappointment, the inclusion of Jepchirchir, Wanyonyi, and Sawe provided Kenya with a strong representation on the world stage.
Jepchirchir’s dominance in women’s marathons has been unmatched, earning her global respect and multiple titles. Her Tokyo gold and London podium finish made her one of the most consistent female athletes of 2025.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi, still in his early twenties, has become a symbol of the next generation of Kenyan runners. His remarkable composure and speed in the 800 metres have drawn comparisons to Kenya’s former greats like David Rudisha. Wanyonyi’s dual triumph—a World Championship gold and Diamond League title—made him a standout figure of the season.
Sebastian Sawe’s back-to-back wins in London and Berlin further solidified his position among the elite marathoners. His endurance, pace control, and tactical intelligence made him one of the toughest competitors in the global marathon circuit this year.
Beyond Kenya, other nominees for the Women’s Athlete of the Year include Dutch hurdler Femke Bol, American stars Tara Davis and Sydney Levrone, and Spanish race walker Maria Perez.
In the men’s category, Swedish pole vault sensation Mondo Duplantis, Italian jumper Mattia Furlani, American sprinter Noah Lyles, and Tanzanian distance runner Alphonse Simbu were also named.
The winners will be announced during the grand ceremony in Monaco, marking the climax of a competitive athletics season. The event will celebrate outstanding achievements, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence that define the sport’s global spirit.
Wrapping Up
Although Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet missed out this year, their incredible performances remain a highlight of the 2025 season. Both athletes continue to inspire millions of young Kenyans, proving that consistency and dedication define true champions.
Kenya’s trio—Jepchirchir, Wanyonyi, and Sawe—now carry the country’s hopes for global recognition at the 2025 World Athletics Awards. Win or lose, their nominations reaffirm Kenya’s unmatched dominance and enduring legacy in world athletics.
