Swedish pole vault sensation Armand Duplantis has been honoured as the World Athletics Male Athlete of the Year, bringing a stunning 2025 season to a perfect close. The award comes after a year where Duplantis was utterly dominant, breaking the world record on four separate occasions and adding another world title to his already illustrious career.
Award Night and a Pointed Remark
Immediately after accepting the prestigious award at a ceremony attended by sporting royalty and Prince Albert II of Monaco, Duplantis did not shy away from addressing a recent controversy in the sport. He took a clear shot at the failed Grand Slam Track venture, led by Michael Johnson, which collapsed earlier in the summer and has yet to fully pay the athletes their prize money.
"There was another tour that tried to exclude field events," Duplantis stated to an appreciative audience. "That didn't go so well, did it? I am very proud to represent field eventers." His comment, a robust defence of track and field's often overlooked disciplines, was met with applause and laughter from the assembled stars.
Reflecting on his own phenomenal year, where he remained unbeaten in all 16 of his competitions, Duplantis expressed his delight. "I am delighted and honoured to win the award," he said. "I just love pushing myself and pushing boundaries."
McLaughlin-Levrone's Unbeaten Dominance
On the women's side, the top honour was claimed by American sprint superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Her 2025 season was nothing short of historic, capped by winning the world 400m gold medal in Tokyo with a breathtaking time of 47.78 seconds – the second-fastest time ever recorded in the event.
For good measure, McLaughlin-Levrone also secured the Women's Track Athlete of the Year award. Her achievements this season are unparalleled; she is now unbeaten in 24 consecutive races and became the first athlete in history to win world titles in both the 400m flat and the 400m hurdles. She was also a key member of the gold medal-winning US 4x400m relay team in Tokyo.
"Honestly I am blown away," she admitted upon receiving the award. "I don't feel deserving to be honest. But Tokyo was a really special moment and I am so thankful for this honour and recognition."
Other Notable Winners
The ceremony also celebrated other exceptional talents from across the sport of athletics. The Australian high jumper Nicola Olyslagers was named the Women's Field Athlete of the Year, while Kenya's Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the world 800m champion, received the Men's Track Athlete honour.
In the out-of-stadium categories, the London Marathon winner Sabastian Sawe won the Men's Award, and Spanish race walker María Pérez took home the Women's Award, rounding off a night that honoured the very best in global athletics.
