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Faith Kipyegon nominated for prestigious Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award
03rd March, 2026 03:27 PM
Faith Kipyegon has earned yet another global accolade after being shortlisted for the 2026 edition of the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards, marking her third straight nomination in the Women’s Sportswoman of the Year category.
Historic season
The Kenyan middle-distance icon secured her place among the world’s elite following a historic season that saw her clinch a fourth World Championships gold medal in the 1500 metres, further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest athletes of her generation. Her nomination was unveiled during a ceremony held in Madrid on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, officially launching the countdown to one of sport’s most celebrated nights.
Often referred to as the “Athletes’ Awards,” the Laureus honours recognise outstanding achievements across the sporting world. Winners are determined by members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, while nominees are selected by a global media panel comprising more than 1,300 sports journalists.
The award ceremony will take place at the iconic Cibeles Palace, where top athletes and entertainment personalities are expected to gather for the glittering gala.
Kipyegon faces stiff competition in the women’s category from a distinguished list of global stars. Among them is Spanish football sensation Aitana Bonmatí, a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, as well as American sprint standouts Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.
Swimming great Katie Ledecky, who expanded her World Championships medal tally to 30, and tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, who maintained her dominance at the top of the women’s game, are also in contention.
In the men’s category, tennis rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner headline the nominees after splitting the Grand Slam titles between them in a gripping season. Pole vault phenomenon Mondo Duplantis, cycling champion Tadej Pogačar, MotoGP legend Marc Márquez and football star Ousmane Dembélé are also among the contenders.
Other recognitions
The awards also celebrate emerging talents, remarkable comebacks, outstanding teams and inspiring community programmes through categories such as Breakthrough of the Year, Comeback of the Year, Team of the Year and the Sport for Good Award. Paralympic athletes are equally recognised in a dedicated category selected in partnership with the International Paralympic Committee.
As the sporting world turns its attention to Madrid, Kipyegon’s nomination once again highlights Kenya’s enduring strength on the global athletics stage. The final winners will be revealed at the gala ceremony, where the coveted Laureus statuette, widely regarded as the ultimate symbol of sporting excellence, will be presented to the best performers of the year.
