Dutch marathoner Sifan Hassan and Botswanan sprinter Letsile Tebogo, both of whom took gold at the Paris Olympics, have been named Athletes of the Year by World Athletics.
Hassan, who also won the out-of-stadium award, was rewarded for her incredible performance in the French capital which stretched beyond the marathon and to the track.
In the space of seven days, she won two bronze medals in the 5,000 metres, having also run a heat and the 10,000-metre, and a spectacular gold in the marathon when she outsprinted Ethiopia’s then world record holder Tigist Assefa to win by just three seconds.
“I never thought I was going to win this one,” said Hassan after receiving her award in Monaco on Sunday. “This year was crazy. It’s not only me – all the athletes have been amazing.”
Tebogo received his award after becoming the first African Olympic champion in the 200m, crossing the line at the Stade de France in 19.46 seconds, edging out favourite American athletes Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles.
“This means a lot,” said Tebogo who doubled up with the men’s track award. “It’s not just about the team that is around you, there are a lot of fans out there that really want us to win something great for the continent.
“It was a real surprise to hear my name because I didn’t expect this.”
The World Athletics also decided to reward many other athletes who shone at the Olympics.
Swedish pole-vaulter Armand Duplantis won the men’s field category after an unbeaten 2024, winning Olympic gold and setting a new world record of 6.26 metres.
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