Amusan's absence noted as World Athlete reveals candidates for the 2023 awards
World Athletics (WA) has officially revealed the nominees for the Women's Athlete of the Year 2023. However, Nigeria's Tobi Amusan, the record holder in the 100m hurdles, is notably absent from the list.
Amusan, who holds titles as the champion of Nigeria, Africa, and the Commonwealth in the 100m hurdles, achieved a historic milestone last year by becoming the first Nigerian athlete to be nominated for this prestigious award. She made it to the final five contenders but ultimately lost out to the then-World 400m hurdles champion and record holder, Sydeny McLaughlin.
Amusan's absence from the list of nominees for the 2023 Women's Athlete of the Year is evident due to her inability to successfully defend her world title at the Budapest 2023 World Championships. This followed the emotional turmoil she endured during her provisional suspension due to three Whereabouts Failures. It became apparent that her victory in the Diamond League alone would not secure her a spot among the 11 nominees unveiled by World Athletics.
Among these nominees, five world record breakers take the spotlight, with Kenya's Faith Kipyegon, the World 1500m and 5000m champion, leading the pack. She achieved the remarkable feat of setting three world records in 2023 in the 1500m, one mile, and 5000m.
The others include Ethiopia's Tigist Assefa, who not only established a world marathon record but also triumphed at the Berlin Marathon. The list also features the exceptional Dutch athlete, Femke Bol, who set a world indoor record in the 400m flat and secured the world title in the 400m hurdles. Lastly, there's Maria Perez, the world champion in 20km and 35km race walking, who set a world record in the 35km race walk.
Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay rounds out the list of world record holders among the nominated athletes. Tsegay, the world 10,000m champion, showcased her prowess by breaking Faith Kipyegon's 5000m world record while claiming victory at the Diamond League final held in Eugene, Oregon, USA.
The remaining nominees include Shericka Jackson, the Jamaican world 200m champion and double sprint Diamond League victor, and Japan's world and Diamond League javelin champion, Haruka Kitaguchi. Yaroslava Mahuchikh, who clinched the high jump title in Budapest and Eugene, also finds herself on the list.
Joining them are Yulimar Rojas, the world and Diamond League triple champion, and Sha'Carri Richardson, the American who secured the 100m title at the World Championships. The list is further enriched by Winfred Yavi from the Bahamas, the victor in the 3000m steeplechase at both Budapest and Eugene.
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