Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone Crowned World Athletics’ Athletes of the Year

Monaco, November 30, 2025 – In a glittering ceremony that celebrated the pinnacle of athletic achievement, pole vault virtuoso Armand Duplantis and American track phenom Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone were named the 2025 World Athletes of the Year. The prestigious awards, presented by World Athletics, recognize the most dominant and inspiring performances on the global stage.

Duplantis Continues His Reign Above the Bar

For Armand Duplantis, the award solidifies his status as the undisputed king of the pole vault. The Swedish sensation, now 26, has redefined what’s possible, shattering the world record an astonishing 14th time with a gravity-defying leap of 6.30 meters at the World Championships in Tokyo this past September. His 2025 season was nothing short of spectacular, marked by four more world record improvements and an unbroken streak of victories dating back to 2023. Duplantis’s consistent dominance is reminiscent of legendary athletes who set benchmarks that seemed insurmountable for years, much like Michael Jordan’s reign in basketball or Tom Brady’s sustained excellence in the NFL.

His journey to the top has been a masterclass in dedication and innovation