At the World Athletics Awards in Monaco, Sifan Hassan and Letsile Tebogo were named ‘Athletes of the Year.’ Hassan won gold in the marathon and two bronzes at the Paris Olympics, while Tebogo made history as the first African Olympic champion in the 200 meters. Other awardees included Armand Duplantis and Yaroslava Mahuchikh for their outstanding performances. The event honored athletes’ achievements, celebrating the spirit of athletics.
At the World Athletics Awards held in Monaco on December 1, 2024, Dutch marathon runner Sifan Hassan and Botswanan sprinter Letsile Tebogo were named the ‘Athletes of the Year.’ Both athletes achieved remarkable success at the Paris Olympics; Hassan took home gold in the marathon and two bronze medals in the 5,000 meters and the 10,000 meters, while Tebogo made history as the first African to win the Olympic gold in the 200 meters. After receiving her award, Hassan expressed, “I never thought I was going to win this one. This year was crazy. It’s not only me –- all the athletes have been amazing.” Tebogo remarked, “This means a lot. 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.”
In addition to the two champions, noteworthy achievements by other athletes were recognized. Armand Duplantis from Sweden earned the men’s field award with an Olympic gold and a world record of 6.26 meters in pole vaulting. Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh also achieved notable recognition for setting a high jump world record of 2.10 meters at the young age of 22 while also securing Olympic gold. Other awardees included Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who won the women’s track category after breaking her own world record in the 400 meters hurdles, and Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia, who received the men’s out-of-stadium award for his marathon triumph.
A moment of remembrance was held for Kelvin Kiptum, the previous year’s men’s out-of-stadium athlete of the year, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident. Overall, the awards celebrated the exceptional achievements and contributions of athletes across various disciplines during a significant Olympic year.
The World Athletics Awards are an annual event organized by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to honor the most outstanding athletes in the realm of athletics. The 2024 ceremony, which took place on December 1 in Monaco, served as a platform to highlight the accomplishments of athletes who excelled during the Paris Olympics. Key categories included athlete of the year for male and female athletes, track and field performance recognitions, and rising star awards among others. The awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also acknowledge the overall contribution of athletics to global sports. Athletes are evaluated based on their performances, record-breaking achievements, and their impact on their sport. The 2024 Olympic Games presents a particularly competitive field, making the distinctions awarded during this ceremony reflect exceptional performances in a highly prestigious context.
In conclusion, the 2024 World Athletics Awards celebrated the remarkable achievements of athletes Sifan Hassan and Letsile Tebogo, who were honored as the ‘Athletes of the Year’ for their outstanding performances at the Paris Olympics. The event not only recognized individual excellence but also paid tribute to the spirit of athletics as a whole, commemorating the accomplishments of numerous athletes across different disciplines while reflecting on the legacy of those who have made significant impacts in the sport. The awards underscored the athletic community’s commitment to inspiring future generations through remarkable sporting excellence.
Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com
