2023 has been a huge year for the world of track and field. From the World Athletics Championships in Budapest to the 2023 Diamond League and Asian Games, this year unfolded as an epic showdown across all disciplines of track. Throughout the season, titans like Noah Lyles, Mondo Duplantis, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Shericka Jackson left audiences in awe with their blazing speed and exceptional talent.

?With the season now concluded and our cherished athletes enjoying a well-deserved break, a new and captivating competition now takes the spotlight. The Men?s World Athlete of the Year recently disclosed the five finalists for the 2023 World Athletics Awards. Among the stellar nominees stands Noah Lyles of America, prompting the burning question in the minds of fans worldwide: Can Noah Lyles be the next World Athletics Athlete of the Year?

Noah Lyles and the stellar 2023 he has had

2023 was a breakthrough year for 2020 Tokyo Olympic 200-meter bronze medalist Noah Lyles. At the 2023 World Athletics Championships, he left his mark not once but three times and achieved a three-peat. He did this by winning the 100-meter in 9.79 seconds, the 200-meter in 19.52 seconds, and contributing to Team USA’s triumph in the 4×100-meter relay against formidable competitors Italy and Jamaica. July 23rd marked another historic moment for Lyles, as he shattered Usain Bolt’s record for the most 200-meter wins under 20 seconds at the London Diamond League, accomplishing this extraordinary feat an unprecedented 35 times.

Joining the elite ranks of sprint legends like Usain Bolt, Maurice Greene, Justin Gatlin, and Tyson Gay, Lyles became only the seventh man to achieve the status of a double world champion. Lyles continued his triumphant streak by securing victory in the 200-meter heat at the Zurich Diamond League on August 31, further solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in track and field.??His nomination for World Athletics Athlete of the Year comes as no surprise after the stellar performance he showcased throughout the year. In a field brimming with extraordinary talent, five other formidable athletes stand shoulder to shoulder with Lyles as nominees, collectively emphasizing the exceptional talent within track and field.

The star-studded lineup of nominees for Athlete of the Year

In addition to Lyles, the lineup of nominees for the World Athletics Athlete of the Year is nothing short of remarkable. Neeraj Chopra, the celebrated javelin thrower from India, secured his position among the nominees with a stellar year that included winning the World Championship gold for his country and maintaining his status as the Asian Games champion.

Joining the prestigious list is Ryan Crouser, a six-time USA national outdoor shot-put champion and world champion. Crouser’s awe-inspiring performance at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, where he set a World Championship record of 23.51m, just 6.35 cm off his world record, solidifies his standing as a dominant force in shot put.

Mondo Duplantis, the Swedish-American pole vaulter, has rightfully earned his place among the nominees. As the current world outdoor and indoor record holder, World Outdoor champion, and Diamond League champion, Duplantis has consistently demonstrated his pole-vaulting dominance at the highest levels.

Last but certainly not least, Kelvin Kiptum, the Kenyan long-distance runner and marathon world record holder, has rightfully claimed his spot among the nominees. His impressive achievements include victories at the London and Chicago Marathons and a groundbreaking world record-breaking run in October 2023, where the 23-year-old shattered the marathon world record by 34 seconds with a phenomenal time of two hours.

With such a fierce line-up, the anticipation has reached its peak as the World Athletics Council and the esteemed World Athletics Family have cast their votes via email, contributing to the selection of the World Athletes of the Year. Simultaneously, fans around the globe actively participated by casting their votes online through the World Athletics social media platforms, resulting in a record-breaking 2 million votes.

With voting officially closed on October 28, the stage is set for the grand reveal. The world awaits with bated breath as the culmination of this global ballot unfolds on December 11, when the World Athletes of the Year will be unveiled.

Read more: Known as LeBron James of Sweden, LSU Star Mondo Duplantis Breaks Silence Over Unwanted Nickname: ?It?s a Little Weird?

Until then, the anticipation and discussions surrounding this prestigious title have kept fans engaged and excited. What are your thoughts on Noah Lyles’ chances? Comment below and share your perspective!

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