Duplantis & McLaughlin-Levrone named world athletes of year

At the World Athletics Awards in Monaco, Armand Duplantis and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone were named world athletes of the year.

Duplantis, a Swedish pole vault champion, became the first person to break the 6.30m barrier at the World Championships in Tokyo in 2025, breaking four previous records.

The 26-year-old won five consecutive Diamond League titles, won indoor and outdoor titles, and undefeated in 16 competitions this year.

In the 400-meter and 400-meter hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone also won without a fight through 2025.

For me, 2025 was a year of pushing the limits of what was physically and mentally possible, McLaughlin-Levrone, 26.

In 2026, I want to push boundaries even further.

Duplantis continued, “It’s really important for me to win this for the field eventers. I’m going to cherish this one a lot because it’s so special.

I genuinely strive to be the best version of myself possible. When I’m on the track, I hope to spread a lot of joy. What I do is incredibly passionate and enjoyable.

I love pushing myself, and I’m so obsessed with pole vaulting.

Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone both won the athlete of the year awards, for men’s track and women’s track, respectively.

World 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi won the men’s track title from Australia, while Nicola Olyslagers, an Australian who won world high jump titles both indoors and outdoors, was named the year’s women’s field athlete.