Athletics fans and experts alike have voiced their shock and disappointment following the exclusion of Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet from the final list of contenders for the 2024 World Athletics Athlete of the Year Awards. Chebet, who had a stellar year marked by historic achievements, was expected by many to be among the top finalists. Her exclusion has raised questions about the voting process and the criteria used by World Athletics, particularly given her two Olympic gold medals and world records.
The 25-year-old Chebet had an exceptional 2024, cementing her status as one of the world’s top athletes. She won gold in both the 5000m and 10,000m races at the Paris Olympics, breaking records and setting new standards in women’s track events. Furthermore, Chebet captured titles in the World Cross-Country Championships and the Diamond League, underscoring her dominance on the track. However, despite these accolades, Chebet’s name was missing from the final shortlist, with St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred and American star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone instead selected as the Women’s Track Athlete of the Year finalists.
Beatrice Chebet’s Impressive 2024 Season
Beatrice Chebet’s achievements in 2024 place her among the world’s elite athletes. Her Olympic debut at the Paris Games was nothing short of remarkable. Winning two gold medals in her first appearance at the Olympics, Chebet not only demonstrated her skill but also set a new world record in the 10,000m, becoming the first woman to complete the race in under 29 minutes. Her record-breaking performance solidified her status as a dominant force in distance running.
In addition to her Olympic success, Chebet continued to make headlines throughout the season. She claimed the World Cross-Country Championship title in Belgrade, adding another prestigious accolade to her list of achievements. Chebet then secured her second Diamond League title in Brussels, showcasing her consistency and competitive spirit across multiple events. Her impressive season has left many wondering why she wasn’t recognized among the final contenders for Track Athlete of the Year.
Fans and Experts React to Chebet’s Exclusion
The athletics community has reacted strongly to Chebet’s omission, with many taking to social media to express their outrage. LetRun.com contributor Jonathan Gault voiced his dismay on X (formerly Twitter), calling the exclusion “completely egregious” given Chebet’s accomplishments. Gault highlighted Chebet’s Olympic gold medals and 10km world record as clear indicators of her qualification for the award’s final list.
Beatrice Chebet has obviously taken up gymnastics or something this season because there’s no way she isn’t a finalist based on her season.
– World Cross Country Champion
– 10,000m WR (28:54.14)
– 5000m Olympic Champion
– 10,000m Olympic Champion
– 5000m Diamond League… https://t.co/OLEQtdgbV4— Owen (@_OwenM_) November 4, 2024
Track enthusiasts and analysts joined the conversation, with many echoing similar sentiments. A track fan with the handle @OwenM questioned the decision, suggesting that Chebet’s incredible season warranted a place on the shortlist. Others were quick to draw attention to her groundbreaking performances, with comments like “this is the joke of the year” resonating across social media.
Cuan Walker, a well-known track commentator, expressed his disbelief, calling it “madness” that Chebet’s achievements went unrecognized by World Athletics. “How can Beatrice Chebet not be considered?” he tweeted. Walker went on to point out that Chebet’s season included two world records and two individual Olympic medals — accomplishments that would typically guarantee a spot in the Athlete of the Year finalist list.
Understanding the World Athletics Awards Voting Process
The voting for the World Athletics Athlete of the Year involves three primary groups: the World Athletics Council, the World Athletics Family, and a public vote conducted on social media. The public vote accounts for 25% of the final result, with the remaining 75% decided by the council and the World Athletics Family.
Reports indicate that Chebet garnered a modest 5,000 votes on X, trailing behind her competitors in the public vote. Despite her impressive achievements, her relatively low vote count may have impacted her chances. The strong social media following of athletes like Julien Alfred and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone gave them an edge in the public vote, highlighting the influence of fan engagement on the final selection. However, many fans argue that Chebet’s exceptional performances should have carried more weight in the council and family votes, as her athletic achievements speak for themselves.
Chebet’s Historic Accomplishments in Context
Chebet’s exclusion is particularly perplexing given the historical significance of her achievements. Winning two Olympic gold medals is an extraordinary feat for any athlete, but setting world records and becoming the first woman to run a sub-29-minute 10,000m further elevates her accomplishments. These milestones not only reflect her individual talent but also contribute to the progression of women’s athletics by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in long-distance running.
For Kenyan athletics, Chebet’s success represents a continuation of the country’s rich tradition in middle- and long-distance running. Her achievements have inspired countless fans in Kenya and across the globe, making her a source of national pride. The fact that she was overlooked despite her groundbreaking year has fueled frustration and sparked conversations about the criteria used in such awards.
Ruth Chepngetich: Kenya’s Remaining Hope for Recognition
While Chebet’s exclusion has disappointed fans, Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich remains in contention for a World Athletics award. Chepngetich, who set a new world marathon record with a time of 2:09:56 at the Chicago Marathon, has been nominated in the Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year category. She will compete against Olympic marathon champion Sifan Hassan for the title. Kenyan fans have rallied behind Chepngetich, hoping to see at least one of their own recognized in the awards set to be held on December 1 in Monaco.
Female Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year finalists
Ruth Chepngetich
Sifan HassanWinner will be announced on 1 December.#AthleticsAwards pic.twitter.com/0nelfKCxg9
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) November 4, 2024
Chepngetich’s nomination comes as a glimmer of hope for Kenyan athletics, as her recent record-breaking performance underscores the nation’s dominance in distance running. Fans can support her by voting online, with many urging the athletics community to help Chepngetich bring home the award.
A Call for Fair Recognition in Athletics
Beatrice Chebet’s exclusion from the World Athletics Awards finalist list has sparked a wave of disappointment and outrage among fans and experts. Her stellar 2024 season, which included two Olympic gold medals, world records, and multiple championships, stands as a testament to her skill and dedication. Yet, her absence from the final list has raised questions about the voting process and the criteria used to evaluate candidates.
For Chebet and her supporters, this oversight serves as a reminder of the need for a more balanced approach to awards that recognizes athletic achievements alongside social media influence. As the world of athletics continues to evolve, ensuring that accomplishments on the track remain the primary criteria for recognition will be essential to maintaining the integrity of these awards.
While Chebet’s exclusion remains a disappointment, her 2024 season will undoubtedly go down as one of the most remarkable in recent history. Fans, teammates, and future generations of athletes will look to her accomplishments as a source of inspiration, regardless of the awards she may or may not have received.
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