Faith Kipyegon Nominated for Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year for the Third Time
Nairobi — Kenyan middle-distance runner Faith Kipyegon has once again been nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award, marking her third consecutive year in this elite category. The nominations were unveiled in Madrid on Tuesday, placing Kipyegon among a distinguished group of international sports icons.
Kipyegon, a powerhouse on the track for nearly a decade, showcased remarkable endurance and record-breaking performances throughout the 2025 season. Her impressive achievements have solidified her status as a top contender for the coveted “Athletes’ Award.”
The previous year saw Kipyegon redefine the boundaries of middle-distance running. At the Tokyo World Championships, she earned her fourth World Championship gold medal in the 1500m event, underscoring her dominance in the sport. Shortly after, on July 5, 2025, she made headlines by breaking her own 1500m world record in Eugene, finishing in an astonishing time of 3:48.68.
Adding to her accolades, Kipyegon also set a new African record in the 3000m with a time of 8:07.04, marking the second-fastest performance in history. She didn’t stop there; she clinched a silver medal in the 5000m at the same Tokyo championship. Her remarkable versatility on the track has made her a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes around the globe.
As she vies for the award, Kipyegon faces stiff competition from other remarkable athletes who have excelled in their fields over the past year. Among them is Aitana Bonmatí, the midfield star from Barcelona and Spain. Already a Laureus Award winner in 2024, Bonmatí had a stellar 2025, winning her third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, known for her exceptional prowess in sprinting, shattered championship records at the 2025 World Athletics Championships. She proved her dominance in the 400m and contributed to her team’s gold in the 4x400m relay, earning recognition as “Track Athlete of the Year.”
American swimmer Katie Ledecky added to her remarkable legacy in 2025, increasing her World Aquatics Championships medal tally to a staggering 30. She became the first swimmer—male or female—to win seven consecutive world titles in the 800m freestyle, underscoring her status as a giant in the sport.
In tennis, Aryna Sabalenka maintained her position as the world’s top female player, successfully defending her US Open title and reaching three out of four Grand Slam finals in 2025. Her mental fortitude and unwavering spirit have made her a dominant figure in women’s tennis.
Also in contention is the breakout sprinting talent Jefferson-Wooden, who made history by becoming only the second woman to clinch the “Triple Crown” at a single World Championship, winning gold in the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay.
For Kipyegon, this nomination serves as a tribute to her humble yet graceful journey in sports. With an unprecedented triple-crown of three consecutive Olympic 1500m titles under her belt, she remains committed to pushing her own limits.
The Laureus World Sports Academy will announce the award winners at a gala event set for April 20, 2026, at the Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid. Should Kipyegon secure the accolade, she would join a select group, becoming only the second Kenyan to win this honor, following in the footsteps of Vivian Cheruiyot in 2012.
— Reported by Nexio News
