Mondo Duplantis and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone earned the prestigious World Athletes of the Year award after delivering extraordinary performances throughout the 2025 season.
Duplantis, the Swedish pole vault sensation, continued his dominance by breaking his own world record four times and winning all 16 competitions he entered. He also retained his gold medal at the World Championships in Tokyo and secured his fifth consecutive Diamond League title. At 26, Duplantis remains the undisputed leader in pole vaulting. “I hope to keep pushing it. I hope to keep irritating everyone who has to vote for me for years to come,” Duplantis said, adding that the recognition meant a lot for field event athletes.
McLaughlin-Levrone, the American 400m world champion, matched Duplantis’s unbeaten streak. She remained undefeated for two years in both the 400m flat and the 400m hurdles. Her winning time of 47.78 seconds in Tokyo marked the second-fastest 400m ever recorded. At 26, she became the first athlete to win world titles in both the 400m flat and hurdles. She also contributed to the U.S. 4x400m relay team’s gold medal victory at the World Championships. “Wow, I’m honestly blown away to win this. Thank you so much, World Athletics, for this honour and recognition,” McLaughlin-Levrone said.
Both athletes showcased resilience, consistency, and unmatched talent, making them standout figures in global athletics. Their achievements underline the evolving standards of excellence in track and field, inspiring athletes worldwide.
