Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Mondo Duplantis
World champions and world record-breakers Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Mondo Duplantis have been named the World Athletes of the Year.
They were the final winners to be revealed as part of the World Athletics Awards 2022, along with the winners of the Rising Stars awards: Serbian javelin thrower Adriana Vilagos and US sprinter Erriyon Knighton.
McLaughlin-Levrone and Duplantis – winners of the Rising Stars awards just four years ago – broke the world records in their respective disciplines on more than one occasion this year, with their final record-breaking performances coming at the World Athletics Championships Oregon22.
McLaughlin-Levrone improved her own world 400m hurdles record by 0.78, first to 51.41 at the US Championships and then to an awe-inspiring 50.68 at the World Championships. That secured her a first individual senior world title, and she followed it by anchoring the US team to another 4x400m victory.
The 23-year-old made a statement with her first 400m hurdles race of the year, clocking 51.61 in Nashville in early June. At that point it was the third-fastest time ever recorded, but the all-time list soon underwent further revisions.
Lining up at the US Championships at Hayward Field, McLaughlin-Levrone stormed to victory in the 400m hurdles in 51.41, taking 0.05 off the mark she set at last year’s Tokyo Olympics.
“I think there’s a little bit more in the tank there,” she said after her US Championships win. “Hopefully when it’s time we can just empty it completely.”
Back at Hayward Field a month later, McLaughlin-Levrone obliterated her previous best, running 50.68 as the home crowd and the rest of the world watched on in amazement.
"All of my goals were accomplished this year," said McLaughlin-Levrone. "We were able to accomplish everything we set out to do. It couldn’t have been any better, and I was so grateful that I was able to produce that performance in front of a home crowd."
Just when you think Duplantis could not be more dominant, the Swedish pole vaulter has a season like 2022, during which he set three world records, won two global titles, won 18 of his 19 competitions, and vaulted six metres or higher 23 times.
Duplantis, despite only just turning 23, now has more six-metre clearances than any other pole vaulter in history.
His record-breaking 2022 campaign began with an undefeated indoor season, during which he set a world record of 6.19m in Belgrade. He returned to the Serbian capital two weeks later for the World Athletics Indoor Championships, where he struck gold with 6.20m, another improvement on his own world record.
He was then victorious on the Wanda Diamond League circuit, including a 6.16m vault in Stockholm, the highest ever outdoor vault in history. It was the perfect warm-up for the World Championships three weeks later.
As the last athlete competing on the final day of competition at the World Championships in Oregon, Duplantis soared over a world record of 6.21m with room to spare.
Less than a month later, he retained his European title with a championship record of 6.06m in a competition where he registered no misses. He then wrapped up his season with a victory at the Wanda Diamond League Final in Zurich.
"Going into the year, I had really high expectations of myself and I had some really big goals," said Duplantis. "I wanted to win the world indoors, the world outdoors, the Europeans, the Diamond League final, and I wanted to break the world record a few times.
"I was able to do that and it was a bonus, the cherry on top, to do be able to do it (break the world record) at the right times, to do it at world indoors and do it at world outdoors. I can’t complain."
Vilagos and Knighton named Rising Stars of 2022
It was a season of back-to-back successes for this year’s Rising Stars.
Vilagos successfully defended her world U20 javelin title, doing so with a championship record of 63.52m and breaking the European U20 record in the process. Less than three months later, she claimed silver at the senior European Championships in Munich.
“Defending my world U20 title in Colombia was my main goal, but winning a medal at the European Championships was the biggest surprise,” said Vilagos. “It was a good year and this award crowns it.”
Knighton, meanwhile, has been named Rising Star for the second year in a row. He clocked a lifetime best of 19.49 in April which couldn’t be ratified as a world U20 record, but he went on to break the mark officially at the US Championships, where he ran 19.69. He followed that with a bronze medal at the World Championships in Oregon, then went on to achieve victories on the Continental Tour and Diamond League circuit.
Remarkably, both Rising Stars will still be U20 athletes for 2023.
“Winning this award back to back means my talent is getting recognized on a bigger stage,” said Knighton, the first athlete ever to win two Rising Star awards. “I’ve put in the work to achieve this and I’m very grateful.”
Jamaican hurdler Damion Thomas reveals career-saving surgery, eyes return to top form
Jamaican hurdler Damion Thomas, a promising talent who has seen his career hampered by injuries, on Sunday revealed that he underwent surgery on October 21 to address a persistent foot issue. The procedure, known as an osteophytectomy, involved the removal of a bone spur that had been causing severe discomfort and pain in his Achilles tendon and lower heel, limiting his ability to train and perform at his best.
Thomas, who has made significant strides in his athletic career despite facing recurring injuries, expressed gratitude for the medical support he’s received. Under the guidance of Dr. John Thompson, a specialist who has overseen his rehabilitation since March, Thomas has worked through rigorous physical therapy and orthopedic care to manage his injury. However, as the pain continued to affect his performance, surgery became necessary to give him the best chance at a full recovery.
“This past year working with Dr. Thompson has been monumental,” Thomas shared on social media. “Since March, Dr. Thompson’s overseeing of my injury through physical therapy, orthopedic care, and lastly surgical procedure has been a driving force in allowing me to finish the previous season and set myself up for a new future. I am thankful.”
The 24-year-old hurdler, who specializes in the 110m and 60m hurdles, has a decorated history in athletics. A former Louisiana State University (LSU) standout, Thomas won the 2021 NCAA Indoor 60m hurdle title, setting a school record and becoming the fifth-fastest hurdler in NCAA history. In 2018, he equaled the junior world record of 12.99 seconds in the 110m hurdles, a feat that positioned him as one of the most promising young hurdlers globally. Thomas also represented Jamaica at the Tokyo Olympics, advancing to the semi-finals with a time of 13.39 seconds in the 110m hurdles.
In early 2024, Thomas was selected to represent Jamaica at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. Despite his impressive achievements, ongoing injuries have held him back from reaching his full potential on the international stage.
With the surgery now behind him, Thomas is focused on recovery and a strong comeback. His determination to overcome setbacks highlights his commitment to his sport, and fans are hopeful that the procedure will enable him to return to peak form in the coming season.
Dominica’s Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson awarded nation’s highest honour
Paris Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson was conferred with Dominica’s highest honour, the Dominica Honour Award, on Sunday in recognition of her extraordinary achievements in 2024. LaFond-Gadson, who made history by becoming Dominica’s first Olympic medalist with her gold in the triple jump in Paris, also won the triple jump title at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, earlier in March. Each of these remarkable victories marked a historic first for a Dominican athlete, solidifying her legacy as one of the country’s most celebrated sports figures.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt had previously announced that LaFond-Gadson would be honoured with the Dominica Honour Award during her visit to the island shortly after the Olympics. The formal recognition took place during the National Parade, where the Prime Minister addressed the nation, and all honorees were celebrated for their contributions to Dominica.
The Dominica Honour Award is presented annually during the Independence Day Rally to individuals who have significantly impacted the nation’s landscape. This year, LaFond-Gadson was one of 18 Dominicans and international honorees recognized. The award was presented by Dominica’s President, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, in a ceremony that highlighted LaFond-Gadson’s exceptional achievements and the pride she has inspired across the nation.
Speaking to the media after receiving the award, LaFond-Gadson expressed that the honour was her “greatest achievement ever” and encouraged young Dominicans to pursue their dreams with dedication and passion.
The celebration of LaFond-Gadson’s accomplishments does not end with Sunday’s parade. A luncheon hosted by a private sector organization was scheduled for Monday in her honour, extending the nation’s gratitude for her contributions. Her recognition comes in addition to being named a Sports Ambassador two months ago, along with receiving a $400,000 gift and a land grant from the government.
Prime Minister Skerritt, in his address, acknowledged the immense pride that LaFond-Gadson has brought to Dominica, calling her achievements a source of inspiration for the entire nation. With her historic Olympic victory and her continued dedication to her country, Thea LaFond-Gadson has undoubtedly secured her place as a Dominican icon.
'A true honour': Long jumper Wayne Pinnock hails CWC Foundation fundraising gala a testament to the power of community support
Jamaica’s rising long jump star, Wayne Pinnock, expressed deep gratitude and pride at being among the main cast at the Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation Fundraising Gala held on the Seafair Luxury Yacht in Miami on Friday.
Pinnock, who recently took the track and field world by storm with his silver medal performances at the 2023 World Championship and 2024 Paris Olympic Games, was among an illustrious group of Caribbean athletes that gathered on the yacht to play their part in empowering communities and creating positive change.
The 24-year-old Pinnock was joined by Jamaican sprint legends Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson, rising star Charokee Young, and Bahamian sprint hurdler Devynne Charlton. Together, they represented the strength, resilience, and achievements of Caribbean athletes on the global stage.
Speaking warmly about the event, dubbed an evening of elegance and philanthropy, Pinnock shared how honored he felt to participate in the gala, which raised crucial funds for causes close to his heart.
“I want to thank everyone who contributed to this amazing event and for using me as an inspiration for the elegance and philanthropy gala. Being able to attend such a stunning event in support of an important cause was a true honour,” Pinnock said in a social media post.
The Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation has long been committed to supporting education, healthcare, and community projects across the Caribbean.
For Pinnock and his fellow athletes, the foundation’s mission resonates deeply, as they fully understand the importance of giving back and the impact that support can have on young people’s lives.
In fact, he pointed out that the gala was more than an evening of glamour—it was a reminder of his journey, a celebration of the Caribbean spirit, and a powerful opportunity to give back to the region that shaped him.
“Warmth, vision, and a common dedication to supporting Caribbean athletes as they strive for their Olympic aspirations characterized the remarkable evening. I’m incredibly appreciative of the chance to be around these driven, committed people. Once again, I want to thank you for letting me be a part of this night that will never be forgotten and for your dedication to changing the world,” Pinnock noted.
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