Kenyan Powerhouse Faith Kipyegon Is a Finalist for World Athlete of the Year

Kenya's Faith Kipyegon has been named a finalist for the World Athlete of the Year award, following her impressive performance in the 2023 World Athletics Championships.

Kipyegon, who won gold medals in both the 1500m and 5000m races at the championships, is one of five finalists for the prestigious award. The other finalists include Tigist Assefa, Femke Bol, Yulimar Rojas, and Shericka Jackson.

The 29-year-old Kipyegon has had an incredible season, setting multiple world records and winning several major races. In addition to her success at the World Championships, she also won the 1500m and 5000m races at the Diamond League meets in Doha, Rome, and Paris.

Kipyegon's dominance on the track has made her a strong favorite to win the World Athlete of the Year award. However, her competitors have also had impressive seasons, with each of them achieving significant victories and setting new records.

Tigist Assefa, for example, set a world record in the 5000m race at the Ethiopian Championships, while Femke Bol won the 400m hurdles at the European Championships and set a world record in the event. Yulimar Rojas, meanwhile, won the triple jump at the World Championships and set a new world record in the process.

Shericka Jackson, the lone non-distance runner among the finalists, won the 200m at the Jamaican National Championships and finished second in the 100m behind Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah.

The winner of the World Athlete of the Year award will be announced on December 11, 2023. Fans can cast their votes for their preferred candidate until then, with the public vote counting towards 50% of the total score. The remaining 50% will be determined by a panel of experts.

Regardless of the outcome, Faith Kipyegon's nomination as a finalist for the World Athlete of the Year award is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport of athletics.