Kenya’s athletics scene has once again been set ablaze, as the nation’s top athletes vie for the prestigious World Athletics Track Athlete of the Year awards. Following a standout performance at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, the likes of Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi are now among the top contenders for the global honors, cementing Kenya’s status as a powerhouse in track and field.
Kipyegon, a dominant force in middle-distance running, has once again proven her legendary status. The four-time 1500m world champion and double Olympic gold medalist shattered her own 1500m world record earlier this year in Eugene, Oregon. She then went on to clinch gold in the same event at the World Championships in Tokyo, adding a silver in the 5000m to her remarkable collection. Kipyegon’s elegance, consistency, and competitive spirit have made her one of the favorites for the Track Athlete of the Year award, with her long-standing dominance continuing to inspire awe.
Beatrice Chebet’s performance in 2025 has been nothing short of historic. The double world champion’s memorable victory at the Eugene Diamond League, where she smashed the 5000m world record, was only the beginning. Chebet followed that up with a phenomenal double at the World Championships in Tokyo, winning both the 5000m and 10,000m titles. Her versatility and endurance have made her a serious contender for the award, as she has redefined the limits of distance running.
On the men’s side, Emmanuel Wanyonyi has captured the imagination of athletics fans worldwide. After a silver medal performance at the 2023 World Championships, the young 800m runner claimed gold at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, marking the rise of a future superstar. Wanyonyi’s tactical brilliance and speed have set him apart from his peers, making him one of the front-runners for the men’s Track Athlete of the Year title.
Kenya’s recent dominance at the World Athletics Awards has been impressive, with athletes like Kipyegon and the late Kelvin Kiptum winning top honors in 2023. While Beatrice Chebet has not been nominated this year, her ongoing rise as a global force is undeniable, and her achievements continue to inspire the next generation of Kenyan athletes.
As the world turns its attention to Monte Carlo for the unveiling of the 2025 champions, Kenya’s athletes have already etched their names in history. The question remains—who will emerge victorious in the race for the Track Athlete of the Year crown?
