Armand Duplantis has been named World Athletics’ male athlete of the year for 2025, capping a season in which he broke four world records and won another world title. The Swedish pole vaulter used his acceptance speech to criticise Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track series, which collapsed in the summer and has yet to pay athletes their full prize money.
“There was another tour that tried to exclude field events,” Duplantis told an audience that included Prince Albert II of Monaco. “That didn’t go so well, did it? I am very proud to represent field eventers.” His remarks drew applause and laughter. Duplantis, unbeaten in 16 competitions this year, added: “I am delighted and honoured to win the award – I just love pushing myself and pushing boundaries.”
The female athlete of the year award went to American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who won world 400m gold in Tokyo in 47.78 seconds – the second fastest time in history. She also claimed the women’s track athlete of the year award, becoming the first athlete to win world titles in both the 400m flat and 400m hurdles, and was part of the USA’s gold medal-winning 4x400m team.
“Honestly I am blown away,” McLaughlin-Levrone said. “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.” She is now unbeaten in 24 races.
Other winners included Australian high-jumper Nicola Olyslagers (women’s field award), Kenyan 800m world champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi (men’s track honour), London marathon winner Sabastian Sawe (men’s out of stadium athlete of the year), and Spanish race walker María Pérez (women’s out of stadium award).
