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- Faith Kipyegon is a three-time Olympic champion
- Laureus describes Kipyegon as an athlete inspiring generations of young people to chase their dreams
- Ethiopian-born Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone from the US were nominated for the award.
Three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon says she is honoured to be nominated for Laureus Sportswoman of the Year 2025.
Laureus describes Kipyegon as an athlete inspiring generations of young people to chase their dreams. According to the Laureus website, the current 1,500m world champion stands as an undefeated middle-distance runner.
Kipyegon won 1,500m World Championship races in 2017, 2022 and 2023. She also won 5,000m in 2023 in Budapest. She defended her title at the Diamond League Finals in Brussels, last year.
“I’m honoured to be nominated amongst these incredible women for the @laureussport Sportswoman of the Year!” she reacted to her Laureus nomination on Monday, March 3.
Other Nominees for Laureus Sportswoman of the Year 2025
Ethiopian-born Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan. The middle-distance runner has been nominated for the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year 2025. (Photo by Silas Tahapary/BSR Agency)
Besides Faith Kipyegon, Ethiopian-born Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone from the US were nominated for the award.
Hassan was born in Oromia, Ethiopia but flew to the Netherlands as a refuge. She got Dutch citizenship in 2013. Kipyegon and Hassan always go head-to-head in major competitions.
As some of the female athletes ruling in 1,500m and 5,000m, their on-track rivalry played out at the 2023 World Championship in Budapest.
Kipyegon eventually won the 5,000m race after stiff competition from Hassan who came in second.
On the other hand, McLaughlin-Levrone, was nominated for a Laureus Award 2025 for her role in sprinting. The 24-year-old American is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in 400m relay and 400m hurdles.
She won a gold medal in the 4x4m relay at the 202o Tokyo Olympics and another gold medal in 400m hurdles at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Kipyegon remarked that her fellow nominees inspire young girls globally.
“Each a true inspiration for all the girls around the world,” she stated.
About Laureus World Sports Award
Laureus World Sports Award honours and celebrates athletes and teams for achievements made throughout the year. Laureus Sport for Good Foundation led by Richemont and Daimler launched this sport award in 1999 to celebrate sports victory.
Global automobile makers Mitsubishi and Mercedes Benz are among the oldest Laureus partners. Swiss luxury watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen is also one of the award’s oldest partners.
Monte Carlo hosted the first Laureus Award ceremony whose guest speaker was the late South African President Nelson Mandela.
Laureus Award winners in eight distinct categories are given a Cartier-created Laureus statuette. They are voted for by the Laureus World Sports Academy made up of 68 former sportsmen and women.
They vote for winners via secret ballot in each category.
Has Faith Kipyegon Won the Laureus Award Before?
Celebrated Kenyan athlete Faith Kipyegon at a past event in Paris, France. She has been nominated for Laureus Sportswoman of the Year 2025. This is her second nomination by the Academy. Photo/Faith Kipyegon
This is the second time Faith Kipyegon has been nominated for the Laureus Award. Her first nomination was in 2024 but lost to Spanish footballer Aitana Bonmatí.
Golf star Tiger Woods holds the record for most Laureus Sportsman of the Year nominations at 12.
Retired tennis player Roger Federer holds the most awards with six Laureus Awards. Serbian tennis star – Federer’s all-time rival – Novak Djokovic has five Laureus Awards.
He won the Laureus Sportsman of the Year 2024. Further, retired tennis legend Serena Williams holds five awards, the highest record ever for a female athlete in Laureus history.
