Sifan Hassan and Letsile Tebogo were named ‘Athletes of the Year’ at the World Athletics Awards in Monaco for their outstanding performances at the Paris Olympics, where Hassan won gold in the marathon and two bronze medals, while Tebogo became the first African 200m Olympic champion.
On December 1, 2024, World Athletics honored Dutch marathon runner Sifan Hassan and Botswanan sprinter Letsile Tebogo as ‘Athletes of the Year’ during the prestigious World Athletics Awards ceremony held in Monaco. Both athletes shone at the recently concluded Paris Olympics, where Hassan not only claimed gold in the marathon, outsprinting Ethiopia’s world record holder Tigist Assefa, but also earned bronze medals in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters. Meanwhile, Tebogo made history by becoming the first African Olympic champion in the 200 meters, finishing the race in 19.46 seconds.
Hassan expressed her gratitude, stating, “I never thought I was going to win this one… This year was crazy. It’s not only me – all the athletes have been amazing.” On receiving his award, Tebogo emphasized the significance of his victory, acknowledging the support from fans across the continent, stating, “This means a lot… It was a real surprise to hear my name because I didn’t expect this.” The ceremony also celebrated numerous other outstanding athletes from the Olympics, including Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Armand Duplantis, recognizing their phenomenal achievements in their respective events.
The World Athletics Awards serves to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary performances of athletes on a global scale, particularly in relation to the Olympic Games. The Paris 2024 Olympics showcased remarkable talent across various track and field disciplines, thus highlighting the achievements of athletes like Sifan Hassan and Letsile Tebogo. These awards not only honor individual accomplishments but also serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication exhibited by athletes around the world. This year’s ceremony brought together the elite of athletics, showcasing awards across various categories including track, field, and out-of-stadium performances.
In conclusion, the recognition of Sifan Hassan and Letsile Tebogo as ‘Athletes of the Year’ at the World Athletics Awards underscores their exceptional accomplishments at the Paris Olympics. Their performances have set a benchmark in athletics, inspiring future generations. The awards also celebrate the broader achievements of athletes from various disciplines, further emphasizing the importance of athletics on the global stage.
Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com
