Kenya's Faith Kipyegon flew Kenya's flag high at the World Athletics Awards held in Monte Carlo in Monaco, France, on Monday night.
Kipyegon who attended the World Athletics Gala 2023 won the Athlete of the Year Award.
After breaking the 1500m and 5000m world records in 2023, Kipyegon stormed to gold over both distances in the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
"Today is a beautiful closure of an amazing year for me. I am honoured that my performances on the track have been recognised by the athletics community," Kipyegon said after winning the award.
"The support of my family, my team, my training partners, and my fellow competitors fuels me to work hard and chase my dreams and ambitions. I hope my achievements motivate and inspire many girls to do the same."
Kenyan long-distance runner and marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum won the World Athlete of the Year - Men’s Out of Stadia.
"First of all, I am very grateful to my fans. I’m grateful for being awarded this trophy, thank you," Marathon world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum said after receiving his award.
Faith Cherotich and Emmanuel Wanyonyi also made Kenyans proud after they swept the Rising Stars of the Year awards.
Wanyonyi, the world U20 800m champion, capped his season with silver from the 2023 World Championships and the Diamond League Trophy. He achieved all this at the age of 19.
Cherotich finished her season after bagging Kenya gold in the women's 3,000m steeplechase at the World Athletics U20 Championship in Cali, Colombia. She is 18.
World Athletics Award winners are decided by the results of a ballot that combines the votes of the World Athletics Council (50%), the World Athletics Family (25%) and members of the public (25%).
The award was inaugurated in 1988 and goes to the best male and female track and field athletes of that calendar year.
The winners will join an elite list of names with the World Athlete of the Year award inaugurated in 1988.
