If there was one guy who owned men’s track and field in 2024, it was Letsile Tebogo—no debate. The 21-year-old Botswanan sprinter started things off by taking Olympic gold in the 200m at Paris. And he didn’t stop there. By the end of the year, he was stacking trophies like it was his side hustle—winning ANOC Male Athlete of the Year and Best Male Track Athlete at the World Athletics Awards. Lyles, meanwhile, despite his 100-meter gold, didn’t even get a nomination. But one year later, the trend seems to have continued.

It’s that time again—the Laureus World Sports Awards are here! If you’re wondering what that is, think of it as the Oscar of Sports. This is where the world’s best athletes get recognized for their performances. And in track and field? Some of the biggest stars from the Paris Olympics have landed nominations for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. And guess what, Letsile Tebogo is on the list.

Julien Alfred made history, bringing home St. Lucia’s first-ever Olympic gold, while Botswana erupted in celebration after Letsile Tebogo sprinted to victory in the men’s 200m. Also on the list? Faith Kipyegon, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (for her record-breaking dominance in the 400m and 4x400m relay), and pole vault king Mondo Duplantis. But guess who’s missing? Noah Lyles—not a single nomination in sight. But how are they selected?

The nominees were selected in December by the Laureus Global Media Panel, which includes 1,300 members casting their votes. And for the World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award, the International Paralympic Committee had a say in the final list. With the awards ceremony set for April 21 in Madrid, the countdown is on—who will take home the biggest honors in sports? Only time will tell! As for Noah Lyles, he may have been left empty-handed this time, but his past accolades speak for themselves!

No win but Noah Lyles remains a sprinting icon

Noah Lyles’ 2023 was a year to remember, but 2024 has been a rollercoaster. He kicked things off by winning 100-meter gold, proving once again that he’s the king of the sprints. But just when things seemed to be rolling, he tested positive for COVID—a brutal setback right before the Olympics. Still, Lyles didn’t let it stop him.

Battling through, he managed to secure bronze in the 200m in Paris, adding yet another Olympic medal to his collection. Despite the ups and downs, Noah Lyles’ 2023 season was miles ahead of 2024. He was crowned World Athletics Men’s Athlete of the Year, an honor he received in Monaco alongside Faith Kipyegon, who took the women’s award.

He also stacked up five Diamond League gold medals and shattered records along the way. That success earned him a nomination for the 2024 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, competing against the likes of Novak Djokovic, Mondo Duplantis, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Max Verstappen. A win would’ve been huge for U.S. track and field, but nope—Novak Djokovic snatched his fifth Laureus title instead.

Tough break, but let’s be honest—Lyles’ name isn’t going anywhere. COVID, competition, or no trophy, he’s still proving he’s a beast on the track. But then came 2025, and—surprise, surprise—he didn’t even make the nominee list this time. Does that mean he’s fading? Not a chance. Lyles is still one of the most talked-about sprinters out there, and whether he’s stacking awards or not, he’s got that main-character energy in track and field.

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