McLaughlin-Levrone and Duplantis Claim World Athlete Awards
In a remarkable showcase of athletic excellence, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Armand “Mondo” Duplantis have been awarded the prestigious titles of World Athlete of the Year for 2025. The announcement was made by the international governing body for track and field, World Athletics, during a ceremony held in Monaco on Sunday.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s Unmatched Dominance
McLaughlin-Levrone not only secured the overall title but also earned the women’s track award. Her accomplishments in the past two years have been nothing short of extraordinary. She remains undefeated in the 400 meters and 400-meter hurdles, currently on a remarkable 24-race winning streak in the hurdles.
At the world championships held in Tokyo, McLaughlin-Levrone captured the gold in the 400 meters, setting a new championship record that had stood for 42 years. Her time at the event was the second-fastest ever recorded, solidifying her status as the first athlete to achieve world titles in both the 400 meters and the 400-meter hurdles.
“The culmination of the season in Tokyo was a really special moment,” McLaughlin-Levrone expressed. “I’m so thankful for everyone who supported, watched, voted and who was there throughout this whole process.”
She reflected on her journey, stating, “For me, 2025 was a year of stepping outside of the comfort zone and pushing the bounds of what was mentally and physically possible. I want to continue pushing boundaries in 2026.”
Duplantis Sets New Records
Armand Duplantis, the world-record holder in pole vaulting, also showcased his immense talent this year. He set four world records, each time improving by 1 centimeter, and remained unbeaten in 16 competitions throughout 2025, including at the world championships.
Reflecting on his achievements, Duplantis stated, “I hope to keep pushing it. I hope to keep irritating everyone who has to vote for me for years to come. It’s really important for me to win this for the field eventers. It’s very special; I’m going to really cherish this one.”
The recognition of both athletes underscores their dominance in their respective sports. McLaughlin-Levrone’s and Duplantis’s outstanding performances have not only inspired fans around the world but also set new benchmarks for future generations of athletes.
As they look forward to the upcoming year, both champions are eager to continue their pursuit of excellence, pushing the limits of what is possible in athletics.
