World Athletes of the Year

Ugandan Joshua Cheptegei, Ethiopian Letesenbet Gidey and Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir among the finalists

The title of male athlete of the year awarded virtually on December 5 by the International Athletics Federation (World Athletics) will go to one of the following five athletes: the Ugandan Joshua Cheptegei (Long Distance), the American Ryan Crouser (Weight), Swede Mondo Duplantis (Pole Vault), German Johannes Vetter (Javelin) and Norwegian Karsten Warholm (400m hurdles). Cheptegei who broke the world record in the 5,000 m (12: 35.36), 10,000 m (26: 11.00) and the 5 km road (12:51) will bring the hopes of Africa, after the elimination of his compatriot Jacob Kiplimo and Kenyan Timothy Cheruiyot who were among the ten nominees. Ethiopian Letesenbet Gidey (5,000m), Dutch Sifan Hassan (middle distance, long distance), Peres Jepchirchir jpgKenyan Peres Jepchirchir (half marathon), Venezuelan Yulimar Rojas (triple jump) and Jamaican Elaine Thompson-Herah (100 m) are the five finalists for the female athlete of the year trophy. On the other hand, the Ethiopian Ababel Yeshaneh (half-marathon), the Kenyans Hellen Obiri and Faith Kipyegon who were in the TOP 10 of the nominees were not selected.

With three finalists, Africa has every chance of winning the day.