Sifan Hassan and Letsile Tebogo were named ‘Athletes of the Year’ at the World Athletics Awards 2024 in Monaco after their remarkable performances at the Paris Olympics. Hassan won a gold medal in the marathon and two bronze medals, while Tebogo became the first African to win gold in the men’s 200 meters. Other awards were also distributed to notable athletes.
At the World Athletics Awards 2024 held in Monaco, Dutch marathon runner Sifan Hassan and Botswanan sprinter Letsile Tebogo were honored as the ‘Athletes of the Year’. Both displayed extraordinary performances at the Paris Olympics, where Hassan achieved a gold medal in the marathon and two bronze medals in distance events, while Tebogo made history by becoming the first African Olympic champion in the 200 meters. Their achievements were celebrated alongside other distinguished athletes, reflecting a remarkable year in athletics.
Hassan delivered an inspiring performance at the Championships, first securing bronze in the 5,000 meters and the 10,000 meters before clinching gold in the marathon, narrowly defeating world record holder Tigist Assefa. She expressed her gratitude, stating, “I never thought I was going to win this one. This year was crazy. It’s not only me – all the athletes have been amazing.”
Tebogo, who made headlines by winning the men’s 200 meters at the Olympics in a time of 19.46 seconds, acknowledged the significance of his victory for the African continent. “This means a lot,” he said. “It was a real surprise to hear my name because I didn’t expect this.” The event also honored Swedish pole-vaulter Armand Duplantis and Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh as they too achieved remarkable feats at the Olympics, setting new records and securing gold medals.
The ceremony recognized several outstanding athletes for their accomplishments during the year, including Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Tamirat Tola, Sembo Almayew, and Mattia Furlani, as well as paying tribute to the late Kelvin Kiptum, the previous year’s men’s out-of-stadium athlete who tragically passed away. Overall, the event showcased the incredible talent and dedication of athletes from around the globe, solidifying the importance of athletics in world sports today.
The World Athletics Awards is an annual event that showcases the achievements of athletes in track and field. In 2024, the ceremony was particularly significant as it honored the exceptional performances of athletes during the Paris Olympics, a grand stage for displaying elite athleticism. The awards recognize not only medals earned but also personal bests and world records, thereby celebrating not just victory but also the spirit of sportsmanship and competition among athletes from various countries.
The 2024 World Athletics Awards in Monaco successfully highlighted the extraordinary achievements of Sifan Hassan and Letsile Tebogo, both of whom captured gold at the Paris Olympics. Their historical victories and the awards conferred upon other talented athletes emphasize the depth of talent and competitive spirit that defines the sport of athletics today. The ceremony also served as a bittersweet reminder of the ongoing risks athletes face, particularly with the tribute to the late Kelvin Kiptum, underscoring the need for safety within the sports community.
Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com
