Kipyegon, Lyles among six newly crowned at expanded World Athletics Awards

Six athletes – Faith Kipyegon, Noah Lyles, Armand "Mondo" Duplantis, Tigist Assefa, Kelvin Kiptum and Yulimar Rojas – were all named World Athletes of the Year on Monday after the awards were expanded into three categories.

According to the organizers, the 2023 World Athletics Awards have been divided into track, field, and out-of-stadia categories following feedback received during the voting process, and all winners have either secured world titles or achieved major marathon wins. Four out of the six, Duplantis, Assefa, Kiptum and Kipyegon, won the award back-to-back.

"The depth of talent and the outstanding performances in our sport this year more than justify the expansion," said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe. "Our World Athletes of the Year alone have achieved seven world records ... in 2023, as well as a host of world titles and major wins, so it is only fitting that they be recognized as the athletes of the year in their respective fields."

"Today is a beautiful closure of an amazing year for me," Kenya's Kipyegon said, acknowledging the prize. "I am honored that my performances on the track have been recognized by the athletics community ... I hope my achievements motivate and inspire many girls to do the same," she added.

In Budapest in August, double Olympic champion Kipyegon became the first woman to win the 1500 meters and 5000m at the World Championships.

Men's track award winner Lyles also achieved an individual title double at the World Championships in Budapest, winning the 100m gold and retaining his 200m title before forming part of a victorious U.S. 4x100m team. 

The 2023 World Athletes of the Year winners: 

Women's track: Faith Kipyegon, Kenya, 1500m/mile/5000m 

Women's field: Yulimar Rojas, Venezuela, triple jump 

Women's out of stadia: Tigist Assefa, Ethiopia, marathon 

Men's track: Noah Lyles, U.S., 100m/200m 

Men's field: Mondo Duplantis, Sweden, pole vault 

Men's out of stadia: Kelvin Kiptum, Kenya, marathon 

(With input from Reuters)