Noah Lyles urges overhaul of World Athletes of the Year Awards

Noah Lyles reigned supreme in Budapest by winning three gold medals

ATHLETICS Noah Lyles urges overhaul of World Athletes of the Year Awards

Festus Chuma 20:40 - 11.10.2023

American sprinter Noah Lyles suggests diversifying World Athlete of the Year Awards with categories like Athlete of the Year in Jumps, Throws, Distance, and Sprints.

World 200m champion Noah Lyles has raised significant concerns regarding the World Athlete of the Year awards, administered by World Athletics.

The American sprinter spoke out after the release of the Women’s Athletes of the Year nominee list on Wednesday afternoon.

Lyles, who recently won his third world title in the 200m race at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, expressed his thoughts on social media.

"I feel like there should be more awards given than just athlete of the year. What about: Performance of the year, Athlete of the year for jumps, throws, distance, and sprints, most improved athlete," Lyles shared in a tweet, thereby presenting a proposal for consideration.

According to the announcement made by World Athletics on Wednesday, 11 female athletes have been nominated for the prestigious Athlete of the Year accolade. These nominations were based on performances not only at the Budapest championships but also at other events held throughout the year.

Among the notable nominees is Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, who delivered a breathtaking performance at the Budapest World Athletics Championships, claiming victory in both the 1,500m and 5,000m races. This historic achievement makes her the first female to secure double accolades at the championships.

Kipyegon faces stiff competition from Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa, the record-setting World Marathon holder with a time of 2:11:53, achieved at the Berlin Marathon in September. Other noteworthy nominees include the 5,000m world record holder Tsegay Gudaf of Ethiopia, USA’s Sha’carri Richardson, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Winfred Yavi, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist in high jump, Yaroslava Mahuchikh.

Also on the nomination list are Venezuelan Yulimar Rojas, the world record holder for the women's triple jump, Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson with her impressive collection of 5 Olympic and 8 World Championship medals, 35km walk winner at Budapest Maria Perez from Spain, and the 2023 400m world champion, Femke Bol.

With the voting period for the World Athletes of the Year scheduled to conclude on October 28 at midnight, anticipation builds as athletics enthusiasts and the global public await the announcement of the five women and five men finalists. According to World Athletics, these names will be revealed on November 13 and 14.

It is important to note that the voting structure comprises contributions from World Athletics accounting for 50% of the total results, while the public vote and athletics family vote each contribute 25%. Fans and followers of the sport can expect to witness the revelation of the winners on World Athletics’ social media platforms come December 11.

Tags: