Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone, world champions, were voted World Athletes of the Year

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the American 400-meter world champion, and Mondo Duplantis, the pole vault sensation from Sweden, were voted World Athletes of the Year on Sunday.

Duplantis continued to dominate the event, breaking his own world record four more times and going undefeated in 16 competitions. He also kept his gold medal from the World Championships in Tokyo in September.

Additionally, the 26-year-old won a Diamond League championship for the fifth time in a row.

“I intend to continue pushing it. For years to come, I want to continue to irritate everyone who must cast a ballot for me,” Duplantis stated.

“Winning this for the field eventers is incredibly important to me. It’s incredibly unique, and I will treasure it.”

Like Duplantis, McLaughlin-Levrone has not lost in two years in the 400-meter hurdles and the 400-meter flat, which will be her primary event in 2025.

The 26-year-old became the first athlete to win world gold in both the 400-meter flat and 400-meter hurdles, and her winning mark of 47.78 in Tokyo was the second-fastest 400-meter time ever.

She was also a member of the U.S. relay team that won the gold medal in the 4x400m at the World Championships.

“Wow, I’m very honored to have won this. McLaughlin-Levrone expressed her gratitude to World Athletics for the honor and recognition.

“The season finale in Tokyo was a truly unique occasion. 2025 was a year for me to test the boundaries of what was physically and mentally feasible and to venture beyond of my comfort zone.