Kenya will have two representatives in the running for the prestigious 2026 World Athletics Athlete of the Year awards. Agnes Ngetich and Sabastian Sawe were named among the 20 nominees for the men’s and women’s honours. This nomination comes after a remarkable season for the two Kenyans, who have excelled in road running. Ngetich has combined success on the track and roads, while Sawe has produced one of the most extraordinary marathon performances in athletics history.
Ngetich, the reigning world cross-country champion, strengthened her credentials by winning the women’s half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen in September. She achieved this in a world record 1:05:15 for a women-only race. Ngetich is also the world record-holder over 10km and is ranked among the leading global road runners. Her impressive performance has solidified her position as a top contender for the 2026 World Athletics Athlete of the Year award.
Sabastian Sawe made history in April when he became the first man to officially break two hours in a record-eligible marathon. He won the London Marathon in a world-record 1:59:30, taking 65 seconds off the previous record. Sawe also became the first athlete to officially run below two hours over the marathon distance. His achievement has earned him a spot among the nominees for the men’s 2026 World Athletics Athlete of the Year award.
The men’s shortlist for the 2026 World Athletics Athlete of the Year award brings together athletes from several disciplines. Kenneth Bednarek from the USA qualifies through the 100m and 200m, while Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage from Sri Lanka is a javelin specialist. Andy Díaz Hernández from Italy represents the triple jump, and Ja’Kobe Tharp from the USA is nominated for the 110m hurdles. Reigning World Athlete of the Year Mondo Duplantis from Sweden is also nominated for pole vault.
The women’s field for the 2026 World Athletics Athlete of the Year award is equally diverse. Maria Pérez from Spain is nominated for race walking, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden from the USA for the 100m and 200m, and Tigst Assefa from Ethiopia for the marathon. Masai Russell from the USA is nominated for the 100m hurdles. Other notable nominees include Audrey Werro from Switzerland for the 800m, Chase Jackson from the USA for the shot put, and Camryn Rogers from Canada for the hammer throw.
The 2026 awards have adopted a new format, with 10 nominees in each category before voting reduces the field to three finalists and eventually one winner. The winners will be announced in Monaco on 29 November 2026. This new format is expected to bring more excitement and competition to the awards, as athletes from various disciplines compete for the top honour.
The nomination of Agnes Ngetich and Sabastian Sawe for the 2026 World Athletics Athlete of the Year awards is a significant achievement for Kenya. Their outstanding performances in their respective events have earned them recognition globally. The country will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winners in November to see if either Ngetich or Sawe will take home the prestigious award.
Key points
- Agnes Ngetich and Sabastian Sawe are among the 20 nominees for the 2026 World Athletics Athlete of the Year awards.
- Ngetich won the women’s half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen in a world record 1:05:15.
- Sawe broke the marathon world record at the London Marathon in April with a time of 1:59:30.
