After an impressive season, Faith Kipyegon has been nominated to contest for the Women’s World Athlete of the Year 2023 award.

Kipyegon was in a form of her own as she broke three world records and reigned supreme in the World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary, in August.

Two of the golds that Kenya won in Hungary were lifted by Kipyegon and has now, deservedly, been shortlisted for global recognition.

“The names of the five finalists for Women’s World Athlete of the Year honours have been confirmed as the countdown to the World Athletics Awards 2023 continues.

“The five athletes, who represent five countries from four area associations, have achieved sensational performances across a range of athletic disciplines in 2023, winning titles and breaking world records at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23, one-day meeting circuits, label road races, and other events around the world,” World Athletics said.

Kipyegon’s rivals

Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa, who is a Berlin Marathon winner and holds a World Marathon record, and Femke Bol of the Netherlands, who is a World 400m hurdles champion and holds a World Indoor 400m record, have also been shortlisted.

The two East Africans will face competition from Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, who is a World 200m champion and 100m silver medallist and a Diamond League 100m and 200m champion.

Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela has also been shortlisted, and her accolades, which include being a world champion and a Diamond League champion in the triple jump, will be her main source of strength while contesting for the global award.

Kiptum’s rivals

Meanwhile, Kelvin Kiptum will battle out with India’s Neeraj Chopra, who is a javelin world champion and Asian Games champion, as well as USA’s Ryan Crouser, who is a shot put world champion and a world record holder.

Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis, a pole vault World champion and Diamond League champion with a world record, and USA’s short-distance sensation, Noah Lyles, who is a World 100m and 200m champion and World leader and undefeated in six finals at 200m, have also been shortlisted.

World Athletics also explained how the voting process will flow.

“A three-way voting process determined the finalists.

“The World Athletics Council and the World Athletics Family cast their votes by email, while fans logged their decisions online via the World Athletics social media platforms, where a record 2 million votes were registered,” it said.

The winner will be announced on December 11.