In an unexpected turn of events, outrage and confusion have rippled through the athletics world following the announcement of the 2024 World Athletics Women’s Track Athlete of the Year nominees. The omission of two of the sport’s brightest stars, Sifan Hassan and Keely Hodgkinson, has left fans stunned and disappointed. Despite their dominant performances throughout the year, both athletes were conspicuously left off the prestigious list, sparking heated debates across social media platforms.
The Missing Stars: Sifan Hassan and Keely Hodgkinson
Sifan Hassan, a Dutch long-distance runner, and Keely Hodgkinson, a British middle-distance specialist, had stellar seasons in 2024. Both athletes not only showcased their prowess on the track but also cemented their legacies with remarkable achievements on the global stage. However, their exclusion from the World Athletics shortlist has raised questions about the selection criteria and the process used to determine the nominees.
Hassan, a seasoned and versatile athlete, competed in multiple events at the Paris Olympic Games. She earned bronze medals in the 5000m and 10,000m races, displaying her endurance and determination. However, her most impressive achievement came in the marathon, where she secured victory and became the Olympic champion. Earlier in the year, Hassan competed in the Tokyo Marathon, where she finished fourth, further demonstrating her extraordinary versatility.
Sifan Hassan marathon gold, 5000m bronze and 10000m bronze didn’t get nominated. That’s crazy! No love for Nafi Thiam gold medalist in the heptathlon. https://t.co/S7bh2RU85Z
— IAMMONARAE (@IamMonaRae) October 21, 2024
Keely Hodgkinson, on the other hand, has been a dominant force in the 800m category. She remained unbeaten throughout the 2024 season, collecting victories at major events such as the Prefontaine Classic, FBK Games in Hengelo, the European Championships, and the Diamond League Meeting in London. Hodgkinson’s crowning moment came at the Paris Olympic Games, where she won gold in the women’s 800m. Despite a slight injury setback that forced her to end her season early, Hodgkinson’s performance throughout the year was nothing short of exceptional.
Fan Reactions: “Where’s Sifan?” and “Where’s Keely?”
The athletics community has been vocal about its frustration with the nominees list, which includes notable names like three-time Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon, double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet, and 400m hurdles world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Fans quickly took to social media to express their dismay over the exclusion of Hassan and Hodgkinson, two athletes they believe were more than deserving of recognition.
Commenting on a post shared by World Athletics, one fan wrote, “Sifan Hassan all day long for me, not even on the list.” Another fan added, “How did Keely Hodgkinson not make this list?! She won the Olympic and European 800m and was unbeaten over 800m all season!”
The absence of Hassan and Hodgkinson has led to widespread confusion, with many fans feeling that both athletes delivered performances worthy of being nominated. One fan commented, “The only battle should be between Sifan Hassan and Beatrice Chebet, but am not seeing Sifan anywhere.” Another simply asked, “Where’s Keely?”
The Nominees: Who Made the Cut?
While the exclusion of Hassan and Hodgkinson has sparked controversy, the list of nominees for the 2024 Women’s Track Athlete of the Year includes some of the biggest names in athletics. Faith Kipyegon, who has been a dominant force in the 1500m, is one of the leading candidates. Kipyegon won her third Olympic title in the 1500m and set multiple world records during the season, making her a strong contender for the award.
Beatrice Chebet, another standout performer, has also been nominated. The Kenyan athlete clinched two Olympic titles in the 5000m and 10,000m, while also breaking world records in both events. Chebet’s consistency and record-breaking performances have earned her a place among the elite nominees.
Who is your Female Track Athlete of the Year?
Voting closes on Sunday 27 October at 11:59 PM CEST.
https://t.co/7VFFnbSYls #AthleticsAwards pic.twitter.com/CtjY45MN4O
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) October 21, 2024
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who holds the world record in the 400m hurdles, is another athlete in the spotlight. The American hurdler has dominated her event in recent years, claiming gold medals at both the World Championships and the Paris Olympics. Her world record and Olympic performance make her a key contender for the award.
Other nominees include Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred, Olympic 400m champion Marileidy Paulino, and triple Olympic champion Gabby Thomas. Each of these athletes has had an extraordinary season, and their inclusion on the list reflects their incredible achievements.
The Debate: What Criteria Should Define the Nominees?
The exclusion of Sifan Hassan and Keely Hodgkinson has sparked a larger debate within the athletics community about the criteria used to determine the Women’s Track Athlete of the Year nominees. Many fans and pundits are questioning what factors were considered in the selection process, particularly when athletes like Hassan, who dominated multiple distances and claimed an Olympic marathon title, and Hodgkinson, who was unbeaten in the 800m, were left off the list.
Some believe that the selection committee may have prioritized world records over overall season performances, which could explain the inclusion of athletes like Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet, both of whom set world records in their respective events. However, fans argue that Olympic titles and consistent performances throughout the season should carry more weight in the decision-making process.
Fans Demand Recognition for Hassan and Hodgkinson
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: fans of Sifan Hassan and Keely Hodgkinson feel strongly that these athletes deserve recognition for their outstanding performances in 2024. The outpouring of support for both athletes on social media highlights the deep connection fans have with their favorite competitors and the high expectations they have for transparency and fairness in the nomination process.
While the nominees for the 2024 World Athletics Women’s Track Athlete of the Year represent some of the best in the sport, the absence of Hassan and Hodgkinson has left a noticeable gap. As the awards season progresses, it remains to be seen whether this controversy will prompt changes in how future nominees are selected and whether fan-favorite athletes will receive the acknowledgment they deserve.
