Shock For Kenya as Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet Snubbed from 2025 World Athletics Awards
World Record Holders Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet in a 5,000 Metres race in Tokyo Athletics 2025
The World Record holders Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet have been left out of the 2025 World Athletics Awards finalists, a decision that has left athletics fans and analysts across Kenya shocked. The announcement, made by World Athletics on Tuesday, November 4, revealed 12 global finalists—three of whom are Kenyan. However, the absence of the two decorated athletes has sparked debate within the sporting community.
The three Kenyan stars who made the shortlist are marathon legend Peres Jepchirchir, 800-metre world champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and marathon sensation Sebastian Sawe. Their nominations come as recognition for stellar performances throughout the season, showcasing Kenya’s continued dominance in global distance running.
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Jepchirchir, who was listed among the Women’s World Athlete of the Year finalists, enjoyed a remarkable season highlighted by her gold medal victory at the World Championships in Tokyo and a strong third-place finish at the London Marathon. Her consistency and resilience have earned her a place among the sport’s most elite women this year.
In the men’s category, Sebastian Sawe’s exceptional year was capped by victories in both the London and Berlin Marathons, cementing his reputation as one of the most formidable marathoners of his generation. Likewise, Emmanuel Wanyonyi earned his nomination following a dominant display in the 800 metres, where he claimed both the World Championship title and the Diamond League crown, reinforcing his growing influence in middle-distance athletics.
The finalists were selected after an extensive voting process that included input from the athletics community and fans worldwide. The 12 finalists represent the most outstanding athletes of the season across track, field, and road racing disciplines.
Alongside Jepchirchir in the women’s category are global stars such as Femke Bol of the Netherlands, Sydney Levrone and Tara Davis of the United States, and Maria Pérez of Spain. The men’s list also includes Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis, Italy’s Mattia Furlani, America’s Noah Lyles, and Tanzania’s Alphonse Simbu.
However, the glaring omission of Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet has left many questioning the selection process. Kipyegon, widely regarded as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time, delivered a historic season in 2025. She clinched gold in the 1500 metres, silver in the 5000 metres, and shattered the 1500-metre world record, further solidifying her dominance on the track.
Beatrice Chebet also enjoyed a phenomenal season, winning double gold in the 5000 metres and 10,000 metres, and breaking the world record in the 5000 metres. Her exclusion, alongside Kipyegon’s, has been viewed by many as one of the biggest surprises in this year’s nominations.
Sports analysts and fans have expressed disbelief, arguing that both athletes had performances worthy of global recognition. Despite the controversy, World Athletics has not issued a formal explanation regarding the selection criteria that led to their exclusion.
The World Athletics Awards 2025 ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 30 in Monaco, France. The prestigious event will celebrate the year’s most outstanding athletic achievements, honoring those who have pushed the boundaries of human performance.
For many Kenyans, however, the night will carry mixed emotions—pride for the nominated trio, but also disappointment over the omission of two of the nation’s brightest stars, Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet.
