Duplantis, McLaughlin-Levrone Crowned World Athletes Of The Year 2025: Check Full List Of Winners

Sweden’s pole vault phenomenon Mondo Duplantis and U.S. sprint superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone were named World Athletes of the Year at a glittering World Athletics Awards ceremony in Monaco on Sunday (30 November), capping off two of the most commanding seasons in recent track and field history.

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The two Olympic champions, both 26, topped their respective categories earlier in the evening- Duplantis as Men’s Field Athlete of the Year and McLaughlin-Levrone as Women’s Track Athlete of the Year- before being announced as the overall winners. They succeed last year’s honourees Sifan Hassan and Letsile Tebogo.

Duplantis, McLaughlin-Levrone Crowned World Athletes Of The Year 2025

McLaughlin-Levrone Makes History With 400m Masterpiece

McLaughlin-Levrone’s award follows a virtually flawless year in which she transitioned seamlessly from her signature 400m hurdles to the flat 400m. Her Tokyo World Championships victory in 47.78 seconds shattered a 42-year-old championship record and ranks as the second-fastest time ever recorded.

The American star is now the first athlete in history to win world titles in both the 400m flat and 400m hurdles, complementing her hurdles world record and two Olympic golds. She also helped guide Team USA to 4x400m gold in Tokyo.

Her undefeated streak- now spanning two full seasons in both events- has redefined dominance in women’s track.

“I’m honestly blown away to win this,” she said. “For me, 2025 was a year of stepping outside of the comfort zone and pushing the bounds of what was mentally and physically possible. I want to continue pushing boundaries in 2026.”

Duplantis Extends Pole Vault Supremacy With Four World Records

Duplantis’ third career Athlete of the Year title (after wins in 2020 and 2022) reflects another season of extraordinary progression. In 2025 he broke the world pole vault record four times, clearing 6.27m, 6.28m, 6.29m, and finally 6.30m at the World Championships in Tokyo- becoming the first human to ever surpass the 6.30m barrier.

Undefeated in all 16 competitions this year, the Swedish star also secured world titles indoors and outdoors, along with a fifth consecutive Diamond League crown. His consistency has put him in a league of his own: he is the first male pole vaulter in modern history to go unbeaten for two straight seasons.

“This is such a huge honour,” Duplantis said. “I hope to keep pushing it. I hope to keep irritating everyone who has to vote for me for years to come. I’m so obsessed with pole vaulting and I love pushing myself.”

Also Read: Indian Athletics Calendar 2026: List Of Events