Sifan Hassan and Letsile Tebogo Recognized as World Athletics ‘Athletes of the Year’

Sifan Hassan and Letsile Tebogo were named ‘Athletes of the Year’ at the 2024 World Athletics Awards for their Olympic successes in Paris. Hassan won gold in the marathon and two bronze medals, while Tebogo made history as the first African Olympic champion in the 200 meters. The event also acknowledged other outstanding athletes and celebrated the sport’s achievements in an atmosphere of camaraderie and remembrance.

On December 1, 2024, World Athletics honored Dutch marathon runner Sifan Hassan and Botswanan sprinter Letsile Tebogo as the ‘Athletes of the Year’ during a gala event in Monaco. Both triumphed at the Paris Olympics, with Hassan achieving remarkable success by securing gold in the marathon and bronze medals in both the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters. Her victory in the marathon was particularly thrilling, as she outpaced Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa by a narrow three seconds.

Tebogo made history as the first African Olympic champion in the 200 meters, finishing the race in a stunning 19.46 seconds at the Stade de France, overtaking competitors such as the American duo Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles. Both athletes expressed their gratitude during the ceremony, emphasizing their surprise and the significance of their accomplishments for their countries and continent.

The awards ceremony also recognized numerous other athletes who excelled at the Olympics, including Swedish pole-vaulter Armand Duplantis and Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh, both of whom set remarkable achievements in their respective fields. Furthermore, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone earned accolades for her outstanding performance in the 400 meters hurdles, and Ethiopian Tamirat Tola was honored in the out-of-stadium category.

The World Athletics Awards serve as an opportunity to celebrate outstanding achievements in athletics, particularly those exhibited during major events such as the Olympics. The 2024 awards recognized the unparalleled feats accomplished by athletes, especially at the Paris Olympics, reinforcing the significance of performance on an international level. The accolades included various categories—track, field, and rising stars—that highlight emerging talent and established stars who have pushed the boundaries of the sport. The ceremony also serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic loss of last year’s recipient, Kelvin Kiptum.

In conclusion, the 2024 World Athletics Awards celebrated the exceptional achievements of Sifan Hassan and Letsile Tebogo as they were named the ‘Athletes of the Year’. Both athletes not only made history with their Olympic performances but also inspired many across their continents. As the athletics community comes together to celebrate, they also honor the memory of lost talents, making these awards a blend of celebration and reflection on the sport’s impact.

Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com