Kelvin Kiptum: Races into history at the World Athletics Awards

Photo credit: AFP

In the realm of athletics and football, the past year has been a canvas painted with extraordinary feats, record-breaking performances, and moments of sheer brilliance. Across various disciplines, athletes and teams have etched their names into history through remarkable displays of skill, determination, and resilience.

World Athletics Awards

Men’s World Athlete of the Year (Out of Stadia): Kelvin Kiptum, Kenya

Kelvin Kiptum, the 24-year-old Kenyan sensation, emerged victorious as the men’s athlete of the year for out-of-stadia events. His decisive run at the Chicago Marathon shattered the marathon world record, an astonishing achievement clocking in at 2 hours and 35 seconds. Kiptum became the first athlete to break the elusive 2:01 barrier, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Women’s World Athlete of the Year (Out of Stadia): Tigist Assefa, Ethiopia 

Tigist Assefa from Ethiopia captured the women’s Athlete of the Year award for out-of-stadia events. Her breath-taking performance at the BMW Berlin Marathon rewrote history by obliterating the world record by an astounding two minutes and 14 seconds. Assefa’s strategic pacing and unparalleled endurance displayed her as a force to be reckoned with in the world of long-distance running.

Women’s World Athlete of the Year (Track): Faith Kipyegon, Kenya 

Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon secured the women’s Athlete of the Year award for track events. Her remarkable season witnessed her setting world records in the 1,500m, 5,000m, and mile races. Kipyegon’s trailblazing achievements, including a golden double at the World Athletics Championships, solidified her as an icon of versatility and dominance in track and field.

Transitioning to the world of football, the 2023 CAF Awards celebrated outstanding performances and triumphs of teams and individuals who left an indelible mark in the sport.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards

Men’s Player of the Year: Victor Osimhen, Nigeria 

Nigerian Victor Osimhen, pivotal in Napoli’s Italian League title triumph, claimed the Men’s Player of the Year award, surpassing competitors with his remarkable contributions to the sport.

Women’s Player of the Year: Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria 

Nigerian Asisat Oshoala was named the Women’s Player of the Year, showcasing resilience and skill despite injury setbacks, leaving an indelible mark on women’s football with her contributions to Nigeria’s success in the 2023 World Cup.

Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Percy Tau, South Africa

South African forward Percy Tau was bestowed the Men’s Interclub Player of the Year for his consistent and outstanding performances with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, displaying skill and prowess at the highest echelons of club football.

Men’s African National Team of the Year: Morocco 

Morocco’s national football team was honoured as the Men’s African National Team of the Year after their historic journey at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Their commendable performance, marked by victories against powerhouse teams like Belgium, Portugal, and Spain, showcased their exceptional talent and determination on the grandest stage of football.

Club of the Year: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Team 

The Mamelodi Sundowns ladies team clinched the Club of the Year Award for their unwavering dominance in African women’s football. Consecutive titles, including the prestigious CAF Women’s Champions League, highlighted their consistent excellence and supremacy in the sport.

Coach of the Year: Desiree Ellis 

Desiree Ellis, coach of South Africa’s women’s national team (Banyana Banyana), was applauded as the Coach of the Year for guiding her team to the FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16 and securing qualification for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, showcasing her exceptional coaching prowess.

The past year stands as a testament to the spirit of excellence and dedication exhibited by these athletes, teams, and coaches, inspiring generations and solidifying their places in sporting history. Their achievements will continue to resonate as benchmarks of triumph, setting the bar high for future endeavours in the world of sports.

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