Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis and U.S. sprint star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone were named World Athletes of the Year on Sunday.
Duplantis, 26, extended his grip on men’s pole vaulting throughout 2025, by defending his world title in Tokyo in September and beating his own world record four times. He also went unbeaten across 16 competitions and added another Diamond League trophy; his fifth in a row to his growing collection.
Duplantis said he hoped his continued success would keep the voting panel on their toes.
“I hope to keep pushing it. I hope to keep irritating everyone who has to vote for me for years to come,” he joked.
He added that the recognition meant a great deal to him and to fellow field athletes:
“It’s really important for me to win this for the field eventers. It’s very special, I’m going to really cherish this one.”
McLaughlin-Levrone proved her dominance on the track. The American, also 26, remained undefeated for a second straight year across both the 400 metres flat; and the 400m hurdles.
She delivered one of the standout performances of the year at the World Championships in Tokyo, clocking 47.78 seconds, the second-fastest time in history, to win the 400m crown. That victory made her the first athlete ever to claim world titles in both the 400m flat and hurdles.
She also won another gold medal with the U.S. 4x400m relay team.
An emotional McLaughlin-Levrone said receiving the honour left her stunned.
“Wow, I’m honestly blown away to win this. Thank you so much, World Athletics, for this honour and recognition,” she said.
Looking back on her year, she added:
“The culmination of the season in Tokyo was a really special moment. For me, 2025 was a year of stepping outside of the comfort zone and pushing the bounds of what was mentally and physically possible.”
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