Kenya’s Ruth Chepng’etich, known for her groundbreaking performances on the marathon scene, has been named a finalist for the 2024 Athlete of the Year Award by World Athletics.
This self-coached powerhouse made history with a jaw-dropping time of 2:09:56 at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, becoming the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier.
Chepng’etich’s record-setting pace shaved nearly two minutes off Tigist Assefa’s previous record and cemented her position as one of the sport’s elite athletes.
As anticipation builds for the awards, Chepng’etich joins a prestigious list of athletes vying for the top honor, all of whom have delivered world-class performances in 2024.
Ruth Chepng’etich: A Historic Marathon Performance
Chepng’etich’s marathon in Chicago was nothing short of spectacular. The three-time Chicago Marathon champion ran an incredible race, finishing in 2:09:56, marking a new world record and setting an astonishing benchmark in women’s long-distance running.
Breaking the 2:10 barrier in the women’s marathon has long been seen as nearly impossible, but Chepng’etich’s resilience and self-coaching approach have proven that the limits of human endurance continue to evolve.
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Her win in Chicago was not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment in the history of women’s athletics.
This achievement has brought her to the forefront of the global sports community, and her place as a finalist for the Athlete of the Year award is well-deserved. Competing against the world’s best, Chepng’etich’s journey has inspired runners worldwide and underscored Kenya’s legacy in long-distance running.
Letsile Tebogo: Sprinting with Heart and Determination
Batswana sprinter Letsile Tebogo also finds himself in the spotlight as a finalist. Overcoming personal challenges, including the recent loss of his mother, Tebogo showcased his resilience and focus by claiming Olympic gold in the 200 meters at the Paris Games.
His historic 19.46 seconds, an African record, put him fifth on the all-time list and made him the first African sprinter to win an Olympic 200m title. Tebogo’s victory was celebrated by thousands in Botswana, including former president Mokgweetsi Masisi.
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The 21-year-old’s season continued to dazzle fans, with wins in Diamond League events in Zurich, Rome, and Silesia. His performance in Zurich, under challenging weather conditions, was particularly noteworthy, as he clocked an impressive 19.55 seconds.
Tebogo has become an icon for young sprinters, demonstrating that Africa is emerging as a strong contender in global sprinting.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen: The Norwegian Distance Phenomenon
Norwegian distance runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen has had an exceptional year. Securing Olympic gold in the 5,000 meters at the Paris Olympics, Ingebrigtsen added to his illustrious achievements with a new 3,000m world record and a Diamond League title.
Known for his strategic racing and consistent form, Ingebrigtsen has dominated middle-distance events this season, asserting himself as a force to be reckoned with on the track.
Ingebrigtsen’s 2024 campaign has solidified his status as a record-breaking athlete, with each performance pushing the boundaries of endurance. His inclusion in the Athlete of the Year list is a testament to his discipline, training, and dedication, making him one of the most respected distance runners of this generation.
Sifan Hassan: The Versatile Champion
Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands displayed an awe-inspiring range of endurance events at the Paris Olympics. Competing in the marathon and both the 5,000m and 10,000m races, Hassan clocked an astounding 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) over a week.
Her Olympic performance, including a marathon win in an Olympic record time of 2:22:55 and bronze medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m, demonstrated her versatility and unmatched stamina.
Hassan’s ability to excel in both the marathon and track events has cemented her as one of the sport’s most versatile athletes. Her achievements in 2024 reflect years of rigorous training and strategic pacing, setting her apart as one of the most complete athletes on the world stage.
Julien Alfred: Sprinting Glory for Saint Lucia
Representing Saint Lucia, Julien Alfred achieved a career-defining victory at the Paris Olympics by winning the gold in the women’s 100m, followed by a silver in the 200m.
Her sprinting prowess earned her the title of Best Female Athlete at the Olympics, an award presented by the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC). Alfred’s success brings attention to her country and serves as an inspiring story for aspiring athletes in smaller nations.
Alfred’s rapid rise on the international sprinting stage has highlighted the growing diversity in global track and field. Her technique, consistency, and performance under pressure make her a worthy finalist for the World Athletics Athlete of the Year award.
Mondo Duplantis: Soaring to New Heights
Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis, a pole vault sensation, is another finalist who made history this year. Duplantis set his ninth world pole vault record at the Paris Olympics, clearing an astounding 6.25 meters.
At just 24 years old, he has secured every global pole vault title since his first Olympic gold in Tokyo, adding a second Olympic victory in Paris to his growing list of accomplishments.
Duplantis’s career has been defined by his ability to consistently push the limits of the sport, and his achievements continue to captivate fans worldwide. His two consecutive Olympic gold medals place him in an elite category, echoing the accomplishments of American legend Bob Richards.
Athlete of the Year Awards: Honoring the Best in Sports
As the world’s top athletes compete for the Athlete of the Year award, it is clear that 2024 has been a year of record-breaking performances and inspiring stories.
The finalists, from Ruth Chepng’etich’s groundbreaking marathon run to Mondo Duplantis’s record-setting pole vault, represent the pinnacle of human achievement in sports.
With such a competitive lineup, choosing a winner will undoubtedly be challenging. Each finalist has demonstrated a unique blend of talent, perseverance, and determination, captivating fans and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
