Hassan and Tola Poised to Dominate Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year Honors

Hassan and Tola Poised to Dominate Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year Honors

The 2024 World Athletics Awards spotlight the world’s most outstanding out-of-stadium athletes, with nominees who have set new records, claimed prestigious titles, and delivered inspiring performances.

In a year that featured unforgettable moments at the Paris Olympics, the World Athletics Cross Country Championships, and major marathons, the nominees for Women’s and Men’s Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year reflect a roster of world-class athletes who have left their mark on the sport.

Women’s Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year Nominees

The women’s category includes an array of talent, each athlete demonstrating exceptional skill in long-distance running and road racing. This year’s nominees are as follows:

1. Sutume Asefa Kebede (Ethiopia) – Kebede secured a dominant win at the Tokyo Marathon and recorded the second-fastest marathon time of the year. Her achievements this season have made her a rising force in women’s marathon running.
2. Ruth Chepngetich (Kenya)—Known for her endurance and speed, Chepngetich set a world marathon record this year and won the Chicago Marathon, showcasing her ability to perform under intense competition.
3. Sifan Hassan (Netherlands)—Hassan, the Olympic marathon champion, captured global attention for her victory and set an Olympic marathon record. Her versatility in distance running is unmatched, and her historic attempt to compete in multiple track and road events highlights her exceptional talent.

4. Tigist Ketema (Ethiopia)—By winning the Berlin and Dubai Marathons, Ketema has established herself as a double threat in the marathon circuit this season, proving her consistency across significant races.
5. Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya) – With world records in the 5km and 10km distances and a world-leading time in the half marathon, Ngetich has stamped her authority on shorter road race distances, setting a new benchmark in speed.

While each of these women has made tremendous strides, Hassan stands out. Not only did she become the Olympic marathon champion, but she also attempted the near-impossible by competing in a range of events. At the Paris Olympics, Hassan entered the 5,000-meter, 10,000-meter, and marathon feats that require a unique blend of speed, endurance, and grit.

Her attempt to medal in all three showed how versatile the Dutch athlete is. This triple challenge is rarely seen…