Armand Duplantis and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Named World Athletes of the Year 2025

The World Athletics Awards 2025 brought international recognition to two of the sport’s brightest stars—Armand Duplantis of Sweden and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the United States. Both athletes were honored as World Athletes of the Year following dominant, undefeated seasons and groundbreaking performances at the World Championships held in Tokyo. This annual award, presented by World Athletics, is among the most prestigious in the sport. It recognizes individuals who have not only achieved excellence in competition but have also elevated the global profile of track and field.

Duplantis Makes Pole Vault History

Armand Duplantis, a 26-year-old pole vault specialist, delivered one of the most memorable seasons in field event history. In 2025, he broke his own world record four times, ultimately becoming the first athlete to clear the 6.30-meter barrier at the World Championships in Tokyo.

His dominance extended across every major competition,

• Unbeaten in all 16 competitions he entered in 2025
• Won indoor and outdoor world titles
• Secured his fifth straight Diamond League championship

Duplantis’ technical mastery and unmatched consistency make him a central figure in modern athletics. His achievements also underscore the growing significance of field events, which often receive less attention compared to sprinting or distance running.

McLaughlin-Levrone Dominates the 400m

On the track, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, also 26, continued her transformation from 400m hurdler to one of the world’s fastest flat sprinters. She was undefeated in both the 400m and 400m hurdles throughout 2025. Her defining moment came at the World Championships in Tokyo, where she clocked 47.78 seconds in the 400m—the second fastest time ever recorded and a new championship record, breaking a 42-year-old mark.

Her performances throughout the year show her versatility and mental toughness, and she has now cemented her place among the all-time greats in sprinting. McLaughlin-Levrone’s shift in focus to open sprints has revitalized the women’s 400m and added new depth to global track competition.

Other Award Winners at a Glance

While Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone claimed the top honors, other exceptional athletes were also recognized,

• Nicola Olyslagers (Australia): Women’s Field Athlete of the Year, with world titles in both indoor and outdoor high jump.
• Emmanuel Wanyonyi (Kenya): Men’s Track Athlete of the Year, winning the 800m world title.
• Maria Perez (Spain): Double gold in 20km and 35km race walk, awarded for her exceptional endurance.
• Sabastian Sawe (Kenya): Honored for his victories in the London and Berlin Marathons.

These recognitions highlight the diverse talents in global athletics—from technical field events to long-distance road racing.

Objective and Significance of the Award

The World Athletics Awards aim to recognize athletic excellence, promote global participation, and inspire future generations. Winning this award is not just about medals or times—it’s about setting global standards, breaking barriers, and representing the spirit of the sport.

For athletes, it marks a career-defining moment. For fans and aspiring sportspersons, it offers examples of discipline, innovation, and the pursuit of greatness. These awards also help increase public interest and funding in athletics by showcasing its global reach.

Background

• The World Athletics Awards are held annually, typically in Monaco, and have been recognizing global talent since 1988.
• The pole vault world record has seen the greatest progression since the 1980s, with Duplantis consistently advancing the bar.
• McLaughlin-Levrone previously held the world record in the 400m hurdles and is now a top contender in the flat sprint category.
• The 400m and pole vault are Olympic events with high visibility in every major athletics championship, including the upcoming Paris 2026 Olympics.

Key Takeaways

• Armand Duplantis: World record 6.30m in pole vault; unbeaten in 2025; fifth Diamond League title.
• Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: 47.78s in 400m; undefeated in both 400m and 400m hurdles.
• Other Honorees
• Nicola Olyslagers: High jump titles (indoor & outdoor).
• Emmanuel Wanyonyi: 800m world champion.
• Maria Perez: Winner in 20km & 35km race walk.
• Sabastian Sawe: Won London and Berlin Marathons.
• World Athletics Awards started: 1988
• Host city 2025: Monaco