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Olympic and World 1,500m champion Kenya’s Faith Chepng’etich Kipyegon (pictured) has once again been nominated for the 2022 Women’s World Athlete of the Year Award.

The double 1500m world champion has been named in the first shortlist of 10 who are in contention for the coveted title, with Kipyegon set to battle for the award against the challenge of sprint sensation Shelly-Anne Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica and her compatriot Shericka Jackson as well as Nigerian hurdler Tobi Amusan.

Others who have been shortlisted are; world 400m hurdles Sydney McLaughlin of the USA, world indoor and outdoor triple jump champion Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela and world indoor high jump champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh of Ukraine.

“It has been another memorable year for the sport and the nominations reflect some of the standout performances achieved at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, one-day meeting circuits, and other events around the world,” a statement from World Athletics read in part.

The announcement opened the way for the voting process to get underway as the Athletic fraternity is set to vote for their favourite 2022 World Athletes of the year.

Kipyegon had a sensational season that saw her reclaim the world title in Oregon before clinching a third Diamond League trophy.

The 28-year-old also missed the 1500 m world record with seconds when she ran 3:50.37 at the Monaco Diamond League.

It was the second-fastest time in the history of the women’s 1,500 m race with Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba holding the world record of 3:50.07 set in Monaco in 2015.

Kipyegon will be looking to be the first Kenyan female athlete to win the award but will face stiff competition from among others; World 100 m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and World 200 m champion both of Jamaica.

If the track queen scoops the coveted title come December she will be the first Kenyan female athlete to win the award.

A three-way voting process will determine the finalists.