Kenyan middle-distance runner Faith Kipyegon has been nominated for the 2026 Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award, marking her third consecutive appearance on the shortlist for the prestigious global honour.
The announcement, made in early March, places the 32-year-old among a select group of athletes recognised for outstanding performances during the 2025 season.
The Laureus World Sports Awards are regarded as one of the leading accolades in international sport, celebrating achievement across disciplines including athletics, football, swimming and tennis.
Read Also
Migori Youth hold Mombasa United to stay top of the NSL log Football
Tusker rally past Ulinzi to reach FKF Cup semifinals as Nairobi United bow out Football
Red hot Omanyala to orchestrate Kenya's 4x100m charge at World Relays today Athletics
Faith Kipyegon // Instagram 
Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans


Record-breaking 2025 season

Kipyegon’s nomination follows another landmark year on the track. At the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, she won her fourth world title in the 1500 meters, extending her record in the event.
She also secured a silver medal in the 5,000 meters, completing a middle- and long-distance double podium finish at the same championships.
On 5 July 2025, at the Diamond League meeting in Eugene, Oregon, Kipyegon set a new 1500m world record of 3:48.68. The time improved on her previous global mark and further strengthened her standing as the fastest woman in history over the distance.
“Her dominance in the 1500m continues to redefine the event at the global level.”
Faith Kipyegon // Instagram 


Sustained Olympic success

Kipyegon’s achievements extend beyond the 2025 season. She is the only woman to have won three Olympic gold medals in the 1500m, claiming titles at the 2016 Summer Olympics, the 2020 Summer Olympics and the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Across multiple World Championships and Diamond League meetings, she has maintained consistent podium finishes over nearly a decade.

ALSO READ: Kenya’s Year of Glory: Top 2025 Sports Moments From CHAN to HSBC Sevens

Faith Kipyegon // Instagram


Other nominees and ceremony details

The 2026 shortlist also features:
  • Aitana Bonmati
  • Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
  • Melissa Jefferson-Wooden
  • Katie Ledecky
  • Aryna Sabalenka
Winners are selected by members of the Laureus World Sports Academy. The final announcement is scheduled for 20 April 2026 at the Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid, Spain.

If successful, Kipyegon would become only the second Kenyan woman to win the award, joining Vivian Cheruiyot, who claimed the honor in 2012 following her double gold medal performance in the 5,000m and 10,000m at the 2011 World Championships.