The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has elected the Best Athletes, Coaches, Federations, and Leaders of the Year 2025.
Best Female Athlete: Beatrice Chebet Kenya
In 2025, she confirmed her elite status by winning both the 5,000 m and 10,000 m at the World Championships in Tokyo—an uncommon achievement, showcasing her exceptional endurance and speed. Beatrice Chebet has thus become one of today’s top athletes, symbolizing the strength of Kenyan athletics on the world stage.
She then became double Olympic champion in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters at the Paris 2024 Games and also holds world records for the 10,000 m (28:54.14) and 5,000 m (13:58.6), achieved in Eugene.
Beatrice Chebet, born March 5, 2000, has established herself as a major figure in world athletics by winning several prestigious titles.
Second Female Athlete: Faith Kipeyegon Kenya
2025 was a remarkable year for Kipyegon: she became world champion in the 1500 m and vice-champion in the 5000 m. She improved the world record for the 1500 m on July 5, 2025 in Eugene, and broke the African record for the 3000 m on August 16, 2025 in Silesia, Poland.
Third Female Athlete: Faith Cherotich Kenya
In 2024, she won the bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games, then became world champion in 2025 in Tokyo, setting a new championship record. Her career is marked by numerous victories at international meetings and regular podium finishes at major competitions, making her one of today’s top female steeplechase specialists.
Best Male Athlete: Busang Collen Kebinatshipi Botswana
His greatest achievement came in 2025, when he won the gold medal in the 400 meters at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, becoming the first Botswanan man to be crowned world champion in this event and breaking the national record with a time of 43.53 seconds. In addition to his individual title, he also claimed the world title in the 4x400-meter relay.
Second Male Athlete: Emmanuel Wanyonyi Kenya
In 2024, he became the Olympic champion in the 800 meters at the Paris Games. In 2025, he was crowned world champion in the 800 meters in Tokyo, setting a championship record and confirming his status as one of the best runners of his generation. He holds a personal best of 1:42.80, a time he has improved several times in major competitions. Global triumphing a discipline where Kenya has traditionally excelled, making him a potential heir to legends such as David Rudisha.
Third Male Athlete: Alphonse Felix Simbu Tanzania
In 2025, he became the first Tanzanian to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships, claiming the title at the Tokyo Worlds with a time of 2:09:48.
Best Female Rising Athlete: Birke Haylom Ethiopia 1500 m
Best Male Rising Athlete: Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech Kenya 1500 m
Best Coach: Chilume Chippa Ntshwarang Botswana
Best Coach: Peter Kiprotich Bii Kenya
Best Technical Official: Enifiok Udo-Obong Nigeria
Best African Federation: Botswana
Best Rising African Federation: South Africa
Best African Leader: Jakson Tuwei Kenya
Jakson Tuwei became president of Athletics Kenya in 2015, succeeding Isaiah Kiplagat. He is a prominent figure in Kenyan and African athletics, with a distinguished career dedicated to developing the sport within the military, where he served for 39 years. Kenya Since his retirement, he has focused entirely on his role as president of Athletics. Jakson Tuwei is the Senior Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics and, in 2023, was elected Vice President of World Athletics, becoming the first Kenyan to hold such a high position in an international federation.
