In a move that surprised no one, track and field’s most dominant forces, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis, were officially named World Athletes of the Year, capping seasons defined by shattered records and utter invincibility. This isn’t just an award; it’s a coronation for two athletes operating in a league of their own, pushing the boundaries of what was once thought possible.
The world of track and field officially recognized its undisputed royalty on Monday. In a ceremony in Monaco, American hurdler and sprinter Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Swedish pole vaulter Armand “Mondo” Duplantis were crowned the 2025 World Athletes of the Year. For fans who witnessed their campaigns of conquest this season, the announcement was less a revelation and more an inevitable confirmation of greatness. Both athletes didn’t just win; they dominated, rewrote history, and fundamentally shifted the expectations for their events every time they stepped into the arena.
The Unbeatable Queen of the Track
For Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, 2025 was a masterclass in perfection. Her season was defined not just by victory, but by a complete lack of legitimate challengers. She has remained undefeated for two full years across both the 400 meters and her signature 400-meter hurdles, an event where she is currently riding an astounding 24-race winning streak. This is a level of sustained dominance rarely seen in the sport.
The apex of her season came at the world championships in Tokyo. There, she achieved a historic double, winning world titles in both the 400m and the 400m hurdles, a feat that cemented her legacy as one of the most versatile and powerful runners of all time [AP News]. In the 400m final, she didn’t just win—she obliterated a 42-year-old championship record and clocked the second-fastest time in history. It was a statement performance that echoed across the globe.
“For me, 2025 was a year of stepping outside of the comfort zone and pushing the bounds of what was mentally and physically possible,” McLaughlin-Levrone said. “I want to continue pushing boundaries in 2026.” That sentiment is a chilling prospect for her competitors, as it suggests her ceiling is still nowhere in sight.
Mondo’s Unrelenting Ascent
While McLaughlin-Levrone dominated on the oval, Mondo Duplantis took to the skies, making the extraordinary look routine. The Swedish superstar put together a flawless season, going unbeaten in all 16 of his competitions. But for Duplantis, victory is merely the baseline; his true competition is with history itself.
Throughout 2025, Duplantis methodically broke his own pole vault world record on four separate occasions. Each time, he pushed the bar a single centimeter higher, creating must-see television and turning every meet into a potential history-making event. This relentless pursuit of perfection, detailed by outlets like The Associated Press, has made him one of the most compelling figures in all of sports.
His acceptance of the award, which also included the men’s field events title, came with his characteristic charm and confidence. “I hope to keep pushing it. I hope to keep irritating everyone who has to vote for me for years to come!” Duplantis joked, before adding a more serious note. “It’s really important for me to win this for the field eventers. It’s very special, I’m going to really cherish this one.”
Why Their Dominance Matters
The dual reigns of McLaughlin-Levrone and Duplantis signify a seismic shift in track and field. They are transcendent stars whose appeal extends beyond the hardcore fanbase. Their greatness lies in their consistency and their seemingly limitless potential. For fans, the question is no longer *if* they will win, but by how much, and what record will fall next.
Their achievements in 2025 set a new standard for excellence. Key milestones from their historic seasons include:
- McLaughlin-Levrone: Maintained a two-year unbeaten streak and became the first athlete to win world titles in both the 400m and 400m hurdles.
- Duplantis: Completed a perfect 16-0 season while setting four new world records in the pole vault.
As the sport looks toward 2026, its two brightest stars are not resting on their laurels. They are already talking about pushing boundaries further. For a sport that thrives on iconic figures and legendary performances, the era of McLaughlin-Levrone and Duplantis is a golden one, and it feels like it’s just getting started.
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