Irish combined events coach Michael O&rsquo;Connor has been named the recipient of the 2025 Coaching Achievement Award, recognising his outstanding commitment to athlete development.&nbsp;
With a coaching career spanning more than two decades, O&rsquo;Connor&rsquo;s path into the sport began through a degree in construction and a postgraduate certificate in education &ndash; a route that equipped him with skills in planning, structure and long-term&nbsp;goal-setting&nbsp;that now shape the foundation of his coaching philosophy.&nbsp;
A committed lifelong learner, O&rsquo;Connor has surrounded himself with world-class practitioners and sought mentorship from some of the most respected figures in global coaching. This network has helped him stay at the forefront of performance&nbsp;methodology, continually refining his approach to elevate the athletes he works with.&nbsp;
A standout highlight of his career has been the long-term development of his daughter, Kate O&rsquo;Connor, whom he has coached for 15 years. Their journey &ndash; marked by resilience, careful&nbsp;planning&nbsp;and a shared commitment to excellence &ndash; culminated this season in Kate earning silver medals at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo and the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, becoming the first Irish athlete to earn senior global medals in combined events.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I am truly surprised and deeply grateful to receive this honour,&rdquo; said O&rsquo;Connor. &ldquo;My coaching journey has taken many twists and turns, and&nbsp;I&rsquo;ve&nbsp;been fortunate to be supported along the way by many exceptional coaches and practitioners, many of whom&nbsp;I&rsquo;m&nbsp;privileged to still work alongside today. Their&nbsp;expertise, dedication, and unwavering belief continue to shape and elevate the work we do every day.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It has been a privilege and a joy to coach this athlete and to witness her achieve extraordinary things in recent years,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;I am humbled by this recognition and profoundly thankful to my current coaching and support network, whose commitment makes achievements like this possible, and to everyone who has been part of the journey.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Known for his meticulous approach, O&rsquo;Connor is equally focused on technical detail and long-term strategic planning. His athlete-centred philosophy ensures not only performance excellence but a supportive environment for continuous growth &ndash; both for his athletes and himself as a coach.&nbsp;
The Coaching Achievement Award is celebrated as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025. Further announcements will be made this weekend, with the World Athletes of the Year and Rising Stars being revealed at the awards ceremony in Monaco on 30 November.&nbsp;
World Athletics

Irish combined events coach Michael O’Connor has been named the recipient of the Coaching Achievement Award, recognising his outstanding commitment to athlete development

Ireland's O’Connor honoured with Coaching Achievement Award

Vegard Grott&rsquo;s evocative image of athletes competing in the Dream Mile has been selected as the 2025 World Athletics Photograph of the Year.&nbsp;
The photograph, titled &lsquo;Shadows&rsquo;,&nbsp;captures the dramatic movement of athletes competing at the&nbsp;Bislett&nbsp;Games Diamond League meeting in Oslo. As in past years, the World Athletics Photograph of the Year shines a spotlight on exceptional images captured by professional photographers around the globe.&nbsp;
From the 141 images that were submitted, a panel of judges &ndash; comprising two-time world 100m hurdles champion Sally Pearson, four-time world triple jump champion Christian Taylor, photographer and Paris 2024 photo chief Pascal Rondeau, and World Athletics digital creative manager Christel El Saneh &ndash;&nbsp;selected Grott&rsquo;s image for its emotional impact and powerful portrayal of athletic endeavour.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m truly honoured to receive this,&rdquo; said Grott. &ldquo;This year the&nbsp;Bislett&nbsp;Games was held over two days, and&nbsp;I&rsquo;d&nbsp;shot some similar images on day one. On day two, the sun was a bit stronger and there was a packed crowd. I shot two laps of the race before the sun&nbsp;disappeared&nbsp;and this image ended up being one of them.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I've been shooting this event in Oslo for almost 15 years, but this was the first time the sun had been perfect for this kind of shot,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;It's&nbsp;also about intuition.&nbsp;I've&nbsp;seen some similar&nbsp;images, but&nbsp;had never taken one myself.&nbsp;It was one of those moments where everything comes together.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I shoot&nbsp;mainly football, but also a lot of athletics. Personally &ndash; and I&nbsp;can't&nbsp;say this to my football colleagues &ndash; I prefer athletics, so winning this&nbsp;is a big deal&nbsp;and an honour.&nbsp;Thank you to the judges and to World Athletics.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Grott has been working as an agency photographer since 2011 and joined the ranks of&nbsp;Bildbyr&aring;n&nbsp;in 2017. Over the years, he has chronicled major sporting events &ndash; including multiple Olympic Games &ndash; and has served as team photographer for the Norwegian football team. On three separate occasions, his work has been recognised among the world&rsquo;s best by Pictures of the Year International and the National Press Photographers Association.&nbsp;
This year&rsquo;s honour will be recognised at the 2025 World Athletics Awards &ndash; to be held in Monaco on 30 November &ndash; alongside other accolades celebrating excellence in athletics worldwide.&nbsp;
World Athletics

Vegard Grott’s evocative image of athletes competing in the Dream Mile has been selected as the 2025 World Athletics Photograph of the Year

Norwegian Grott wins World Athletics Photograph of the Year

China has been named as winner of the Member Federation Award, as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025.
The Member Federation Award recognises a Member Federation that has distinguished itself in its accomplishments throughout the year and, as a result, positively contributed to the growth and profile of the sport. Six federations were shortlisted for this year&rsquo;s award, each nominated by one of the six Area Associations, before China was selected by the World Athletics Executive Board as the winner.
&ldquo;We would like to express our sincere gratitude to World Athletics for awarding this award to the Chinese Athletics Association,&rdquo; said the winning federation. &ldquo;This honour is a full recognition of our work.
&ldquo;In 2025, the successful hosting of the Nanjing World Athletics Indoor Championships and the Guangzhou World Athletics Relays demonstrated to the world China's professional event-organising capabilities and boundless passion for athletics. Looking ahead, we will fully assist and support the organising committees of Beijing and Yangzhou in preparing for the World Athletics Congress and the World Athletics Championships to be held in Beijing, and the World Athletics Road Running Championships to be held in Yangzhou, in 2027. We will cherish this honour, make persistent efforts, and work with colleagues around the world to promote the development of global athletics.&rdquo;
The Chinese Athletics Association demonstrated progress across five key areas in 2025: institutional innovation, event enhancement, youth development, gender equality and commercial collaboration.
Two World Athletics Series events &ndash; the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25 and the World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 25 &ndash; were capably and efficiently held in China, and Beijing hosted the final Continental Tour Gold meeting of the season. Two Diamond League events took place in Xiamen and Shaoxing/Keqiao, while China also welcomed athletes for three Platinum Label road races and one World Race Walking Tour Gold event.
Hundreds of track &amp; field and road events were organised by the Chinese Athletics Association, attracting more than six million participants in total.
The World Athletics Kids' Athletics Relay Around the World Challenge had its finale in Guangzhou, key measures to enhance athlete safety and rights protection were introduced, the representation of female athletes and officials steadily increased, and two national-level officiating training courses were conducted, resulting in 346 officials obtaining World Athletics Bronze Level certification.
In partnership with China Mobile, the federation enhanced numerous top-tier road races in branding, technology and communication, establishing a new model for association-corporate collaboration.
Further World Athletics Awards announcements will be made this weekend, with the World Athletes of the Year and Rising Stars revealed on Sunday (30 November).
World Athletics

China has been named as winner of the Member Federation Award, as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025

China wins Member Federation Award

Sander Skotheim described fair play as &ldquo;one of the best foundations of sport&rdquo; as he received an award at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne for his actions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The Norwegian decathlete had been in contention for a medal in Paris, but no-heighting in the pole vault dashed his dreams of a podium place. Despite that disappointment, Skotheim decided to continue competing. In the process he supported his compatriot and the eventual winner Markus Rooth, helping his teammate in the final discipline &ndash; the 1500m.
That act saw Skotheim declared the <a href="https://worldathletics.org/awards/news/fair-play-award-2024-sander-skotheim" target="_blank" rel="noopener">winner of the International Fair Play Award as part of the World Athletics Awards 2024</a> and more recently the world indoor champion received recognition in Lausanne, as one of three winners of the CIFP&rsquo;s Fair Play Awards, in conjunction with the Olympic Games.
&ldquo;I view fair play as one of the best foundations of sport. You&rsquo;re out there and you&rsquo;re competing but it&rsquo;s not only you competing &ndash; you&rsquo;re all there competing together and to have that respect for each other is truly one of the foundations of sport that I live most up to,&rdquo; he said.
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/691dbd377c2555dcd480e54d.jpg" alt="Sander Skotheim at the Fair Play Awards in Lausanne" />
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Sander Skotheim at the Fair Play Awards in Lausanne (&copy; World Athletics <img style="width: 16px; vertical-align: middle; display: inline;" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,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" alt="photographer icon" /> Delphine Maiarelli)
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Reflecting on his award, he added: &ldquo;I feel truly honoured. It means a lot to me to get this award for something that for me felt very natural in the moment. It was a great experience and very inspiring for me to be there to enjoy part of his (Rooth&rsquo;s) moment in becoming the Olympic champion.&rdquo;
After being named the Fair Play Award winner as part of the World Athletics Awards in 2024, Skotheim now forms part of the jury judging on the <a href="https://worldathletics.org/awards/news/fair-play-award-finalists-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fair play moments nominated for the 2025 award</a>.
Three finalists &ndash; Emmanouil Karalis, Josh Kerr and Tim Van De Velde &ndash; were announced on Monday (17). The winner will be decided following votes from the jury and from fans on social media, and will be announced as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025.
World Athletics
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</div>

The decathlete received recognition in Lausanne, as one of three winners of the CIFP’s Fair Play Awards

Skotheim: 'fair play is a foundation of sport'

As the countdown to the World Athletics Awards 2025 continues, a digital exhibition has been created featuring the 10 images shortlisted for World Athletics Photograph of the Year.
From the 141 images that were submitted, a panel of judges &ndash; comprising two-time world 100m hurdles champion Sally Pearson, four-time world triple jump champion Christian Taylor, photographer and Paris 2024 photo chief Pascal Rondeau, and World Athletics digital creative manager Christel El Saneh &ndash; selected the below 10 shortlisted images and then the three finalists.
The <a href="https://worldathletics.org/awards/news/finalists-2025-photograph-of-the-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener">finalists were announced on 13 November</a> and the winning photograph will be announced on World Athletics&rsquo; platforms on 28 November as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025.
<h2>Digital exhibition of shortlisted images</h2>
<h3>&lsquo;Speed silhouette&rsquo;</h3>
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/691db621a022568f8c1c69c7.jpg" alt="Photo of the Year exhibition - Speed silhouette" /></div>
A hurdler in action during training at the Gyulai Istvan Memorial Continental Tour Gold meeting in Budapest Photo by David Balogh 
<h3>&lsquo;Champions under the flag&rsquo;</h3>
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/6915a69d364ea40dd602ee01.jpg" alt="Photo of the Year finalist - Champions under the flag" /></div>
Men&rsquo;s 100m bronze medallist Noah Lyles of the USA celebrates with his teammate Tara Davis-Woodhall, gold medallist from the women's long jump, at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 Photo by Fabrizio Bensch / Reuters 
<h3>&lsquo;Perseverance&rsquo;</h3>
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/6915a74f364ea40dd602ee04.jpg" alt="Photo of the Year finalist - Perseverance" /></div>
Geordie Beamish of New Zealand avoids the foot of Jean-Simon Desgagnes of Canada as he falls to the ground during the men's 3000m steeplechase heats on day one of the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 Photo by Emilee Chinn / Getty Images 
<h3>&lsquo;Winner&rsquo;</h3>
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/691db688a022568f8c1c69d0.jpg" alt="Photo of the Year exhibition - Winner" /></div>
Jamaica&rsquo;s Oblique Seville, the world 100m champion, at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 Photo by Ales Graf 
<h3>&lsquo;Shadows&rsquo;</h3>
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/6915a779364ea40dd602ee07.jpg" alt="Photo of the Year finalist - Shadows" /></div>
Narve Gilje Nordas of Norway, Samuel Pihlstrom of Sweden and athletes compete in the men&rsquo;s Dream Mile during the Bislett Games Diamond League competition in Oslo, Norway Photo by Vegard Gr&oslash;tt / Bildbyr&aring;n 
<h3>&lsquo;The struggle&rsquo;</h3>
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/691db6a9a022568f8c1c69d3.jpg" alt="Photo of the Year exhibition - The struggle" /></div>
Doris Lemngole of Kenya falls over Norah Jeruto of Kazakhstan as Sembo Almayew of Ethiopia competes during the women's 3000m steeplechase final at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 Photo by Mate Ladjanszki 
<h3>&lsquo;Clearing the bar in style&rsquo;</h3>
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/691db6c8a022568f8c1c69d6.jpg" alt="Photo of the Year exhibition - Clearing the bar in style" /></div>
Decathlon champion Leo Neugebauer clearing the bar and celebrating during the decathlon pole vault at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 Photo by Stefan Mayer 
<h3>&lsquo;The 100ml final from another perspective&rsquo;</h3>
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/691db5f8a022568f8c1c69c4.jpg" alt="Photo of the Year exhibition - The 100ml final from another perspective" /></div>
Men&rsquo;s 100m medallists Oblique Seville, Kishane Thompson and Noah Lyles in action at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 Photo By Victor Seco / @vsmphotoevents 
<h3>&lsquo;Friendship&rsquo;</h3>
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/691db66da022568f8c1c69cd.jpg" alt="Photo of the Year exhibition - Friendship" /></div>
Serbia's Angelina Topic and Australia's Eleanor Patterson shelter from the rain during the women&rsquo;s high jump final at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 Photo by Aleksandra Szmigiel / Reuters 
<h3>&lsquo;In sync&rsquo;</h3>
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/691db64da022568f8c1c69ca.jpg" alt="Photo of the Year exhibition - In sync" /></div>
Athletes jumping over hurdles in a line during the men&rsquo;s 400m hurdles heats at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25&nbsp; Photo by Eric Wu for the World Athletics Media Academy
&nbsp;

A digital exhibition has been created featuring the 10 images shortlisted for World Athletics Photograph of the Year

Digital exhibition: 2025 World Athletics Photograph of the Year shortlisted images

Six nominees have been announced for the Member Federations Award ahead of the World Athletics Awards 2025.
The Member Federations Award recognises a Member Federation that has distinguished itself in its accomplishments throughout the year and, as a result, positively contributed to the growth and profile of the sport. The shortlisted federations were nominated by each of the six area associations.
The winner &ndash; as decided by the World Athletics Executive Board &ndash; will be announced on World Athletics&rsquo; platforms on 28 November, as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025.
The six nominees, listed alphabetically, are:
<h3>Botswana (Botswana Athletics Association, Africa)</h3>
At the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, Botswana&rsquo;s athletes delivered historic performances that elevated the country&rsquo;s profile on the global stage. Collen Kebinatshipi became world 400m champion and helped his nation to gold in the 4x400m. This collective triumph reflected the success of Botswana&rsquo;s long-term investment in talent development and high-performance programmes. Botswana&rsquo;s year was characterised by exceptional performance, both individual and collective, backed by robust coaching, sound federation management and athlete support systems. The country proved its ability to combine discipline, innovation and teamwork.
<h3>China (Chinese Athletics Association, Asia)</h3>
The Chinese Athletics Association demonstrated progress across five key areas in 2025: institutional innovation, event enhancement, youth development, gender equality and commercial collaboration. This involved hosting several high-level World Athletics events including the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25, the World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 25 and a Continental Tour Gold event in Beijing, as well as Kids&rsquo; Athletics initiatives, key measures to enhance athlete safety and rights protection, steadily increasing the representation of female athletes and officials, and conducting two national-level officiating training courses.
<h3>Ecuador (Federacion Ecuatoriana de Atletismo, South America)</h3>
Ecuador&rsquo;s achievements in 2025 were guided by its strategic plan, with a key objective of increasing participation. This included Kids&rsquo; Athletics, restructuring the educational and certification systems for judges and coaches, and continuing the &lsquo;Chasqui Kids&rsquo; project to support young athletes from vulnerable backgrounds. The country won two historic medals at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25: women&rsquo;s javelin gold by Juleisy Angulo and women&rsquo;s 35km race walk bronze by Paula Torres. The federation also introduced comprehensive safeguarding policies and a code of conduct, underscoring its commitment to integrity, inclusivity and athlete welfare.
<h3>New Zealand (Athletics New Zealand, Oceania)</h3>
It has been a landmark year for Athletics New Zealand, marked by achievements in high performance, community development, officiating and governance. The federation strengthened its commitment to athlete pathways, safe sport and inclusivity, while celebrating historic international success. At the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, Geordie Beamish won 3000m steeplechase gold, Hamish Kerr won high jump gold and Maddi Wesche claimed shot put bronze. A national development workforce was established, while the release of the High-Performance Plan 2025&ndash;2028 set a clear path toward success at the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Games.
<h3>Spain (Real Federacion Espanola de Atletismo, Europe)</h3>
Spain delivered strong results in 2025, including a record medal haul at the European U20 Championships in Tampere and a competitive presence at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25. The country hosted the European Team Championships 1st Division in Madrid, while it expanded youth and community athletics initiatives across regions. Under new leadership, the federation enhanced governance and modernisation practices, ensuring transparency and efficiency. It also demonstrated strong collaboration with local authorities, the media and sponsors and has actively promoted gender equality and mixed-gender team formats.
<h3>United States (USA Track &amp; Field, NACAC)</h3>
The United States topped the medal table at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 and while strong results were anticipated, what stood out was the team&rsquo;s readiness and ability to meet the significantly heightened level of global competition. Safeguarding continued to be a major priority, while significant resources were dedicated to the ongoing education and professional development of coaches and technical officials. The Women&rsquo;s Commission led several dynamic initiatives and the launch of the 2026 USATF Tour &ndash; which aims to streamline and strengthen domestic competitions across the United States &ndash; was announced.
World Athletics

Six nominees have been announced ahead of the World Athletics Awards 2025

Nominees announced for 2025 Member Federations Award

World Athletics is pleased to announce the three finalists for the International Fair Play Award, celebrated as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025.
Earlier this year, the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP), in partnership with World Athletics, invited fans across the world to nominate moments that epitomise fair play with a view to recognising one standout athlete or moment.
A jury was empanelled to review the nominations and fans can now cast their votes through the World Athletics social media channels for the shortlisted moment that they feel best exemplifies fair play. These votes will be combined with votes from the panel members to decide the overall winner. The winner will be announced on 29 November.
<h2>Finalists</h2>
<h3>Emmanouil Karalis</h3>
Emmanouil Karalis displayed respect and camaraderie throughout the pole vault competition at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25. He supported fellow athletes after their falls, retrieved their poles, encouraged the crowd and took the time to thank the officials. Earlier in the season, Karalis also exemplified true sportsmanship by agreeing to share the gold medal with Menno Vloon at the European Indoor Championships. 
<h3>Josh Kerr</h3>
Josh Kerr, who was determined to finish the 1500m final at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 despite injury, proved his dedication to fans by spending time after his races giving autographs and selfies. He also gave his spikes to fans. 
<h3>Tim Van De Velde</h3>
Tim Van De Velde decided to help the injured athlete Carlos San Martin cross the finish line during the 3000m steeplechase at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 &ndash; fully aware that it might lead to his disqualification &ndash; in a true demonstration of sportsmanship and humanity. 
The CIFP was established more than 60 years ago to promote the principles of fair play in sport: fair competition, respect, friendship, team spirit, equality and sport without doping. It honours those who respect the written and unwritten rules of sport, which include integrity, solidarity, tolerance, care, excellence and joy, and who set an example for others, on and off the field. The CIFP&rsquo;s first collaboration with World Athletics dates back to the 2003 World Athletics Championships in Paris. Twelve awards have been handed out since then.
<h3>Jury members</h3>
Mark Butler &ndash; athletics statistician Paula Radcliffe &ndash; former world marathon record-holder Jon Ridgeon &ndash; World Athletics CEO Anna Ryzhykova &ndash; member of the Athletes&rsquo; Commission Sunil Sabharwal &ndash; President of the International Fair Play Committee Sander Skotheim &ndash; winner of the 2024 Fair Play Award
World Athletics

World Athletics is pleased to announce the three finalists for the International Fair Play Award

Finalists announced for Fair Play Award

Three finalists for the Photograph of the Year award have been selected ahead of the World Athletics Awards 2025.
From the 141 images that were submitted, a panel of judges &ndash; comprising two-time world 100m hurdles champion Sally Pearson, four-time world triple jump champion Christian Taylor, photographer and Paris 2024 photo chief Pascal Rondeau, and World Athletics digital creative manager Christel El Saneh &ndash; narrowed the entries to 10 shortlisted images before deciding on the three finalists.
Photographers from 41 countries across all six continental areas submitted entries.
The shortlisted images will form part of a digital exhibition on the World Athletics website that will go live later this month.
The winning photograph will be announced on World Athletics&rsquo; platforms as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025.
<h3>The finalists</h3>
Fabrizio Bensch 'Champions under the flag'
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/6915a69d364ea40dd602ee01.jpg" alt="Photo of the Year finalist - Champions under the flag" />
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Photo of the Year finalist - Champions under the flag (&copy; World Athletics <img style="width: 16px; vertical-align: middle; display: inline;" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,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" alt="photographer icon" /> REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch)
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Men&rsquo;s 100m bronze medallist Noah Lyles of the USA celebrates with his teammate Tara Davis-Woodhall, gold medallist from the women's long jump, at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 
Emilee Chinn 'Perseverance'
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/6915a74f364ea40dd602ee04.jpg" alt="Photo of the Year finalist - Perseverance" />
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Photo of the Year finalist - Perseverance (&copy; World Athletics <img style="width: 16px; vertical-align: middle; display: inline;" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,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" alt="photographer icon" /> Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Geordie Beamish of New Zealand avoids the foot of Jean-Simon Desgagnes of Canada as he falls to the ground during the men's 3000m steeplechase heats on day one of the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 
Vegard Grott&nbsp; 'Shadows'
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/6915a779364ea40dd602ee07.jpg" alt="Photo of the Year finalist - Shadows" />
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Photo of the Year finalist - Shadows (&copy; World Athletics <img style="width: 16px; vertical-align: middle; display: inline;" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,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" alt="photographer icon" /> Vegard Gr&oslash;tt / Bildbyran)
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Narve Gilje Nordas of Norway, Samuel Pihlstrom of Sweden and athletes compete in the men&rsquo;s Dream Mile during the Bislett Games Diamond League competition in Oslo, Norway 
<h3>About the photographers</h3>
Fabrizio Bensch (GER)
Fabrizio Bensch studied political science at the Freie Universitat Berlin and started his career as a photojournalist in 1989, several months before the Berlin Wall came down. He has worked for the Reuters Newspictures Service, based in Berlin, since 1992, covering breaking news, politics and sports around the world. He has covered conflicts in former Yugoslavia, Israel, Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Emilee Chinn (USA)
Emilee Chinn is a staff sports photographer for Getty Images based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Her work covers major US professional sports leagues (MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA) and collegiate athletics. She won the 75th College Photographer of the Year competition for her sports portfolio along with awards of excellence and was recognised in 2023 on the 'Forbes 30 Under 30' for her work with the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati sports.
Vegard Grott (NOR)
Vegard Grott has worked as an agency photographer since 2011 and was employed by Bildbyran in 2017. He has covered numerous Olympics and other major sporting events, in addition to being the team photographer for Norway&rsquo;s national football team. On three occasions, Grott has been named one of the best sports photographers in the world by Pictures of the Year International and the National Press Photographers Association Best of Photojournalism.
World Athletics
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Three finalists for the Photograph of the Year award have been selected ahead of the World Athletics Awards 2025

Finalists announced for 2025 World Athletics Photograph of the Year

World Athletics is pleased to announce the three finalists for the 2025 Women's Rising Star Award, which will recognise this year's best U20 athlete at the World Athletics Awards 2025.
The nominations reflect some of the standout performances that the sport has witnessed this year, at events including the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.
The winner of the 2025 Women's Rising Star Award will be announced on 30 November.
<h3>The finalists are:</h3>
Birke Haylom, Ethiopia &bull; world U20 3000m record &bull; world indoor 3000m fifth place
Yan Ziyi, China &bull; world U20 javelin record &bull; national champion
Zhang Jiale, China &bull; world U20 hammer record &bull; world hammer bronze
The finalists for the Men's Rising Star Award were <a href="https://worldathletics.org/awards/news/finalists-announced-2025-men-rising-star" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced yesterday</a>.
As well as the Rising Star honours, the 2025 World Athletics Awards includes the World Athlete of the Year awards, Coaching Achievement Award, Woman of the Year, Photograph of the Year, Member Federation Award and President&rsquo;s Award.
World Athletics&nbsp;

The Women's Rising Star Award will recognise this year's best U20 athlete at the World Athletics Awards 2025

Finalists announced for 2025 Women's Rising Star Award

World Athletics is pleased to announce the three finalists for the 2025 Men's Rising Star Award, which will recognise this year's best U20 athlete at the World Athletics Awards 2025.
The nominations reflect some of the standout performances that the sport has witnessed this year, at events including the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.
The winner of the 2025 Men's Rising Star Award will be announced on 30 November.
<h3>The finalists are:</h3>
Phanuel Koech, Kenya &bull; world U20 1500m record &bull; London Diamond League winner
Biniam Mehary, Ethiopia &bull; world U20 3000m short track record &bull; world 5000m fifth place
Edmund Serem, Kenya &bull; world 3000m steeplechase bronze &bull; Diamond League final runner-up
The finalists for the Women's Rising Star Award will be announced tomorrow, Tuesday 11 November.
As well as the Rising Star honours, the 2025 World Athletics Awards includes the World Athlete of the Year awards, Coaching Achievement Award, Woman of the Year, Photograph of the Year, Member Federation Award and President&rsquo;s Award.
World Athletics

The Men's Rising Star Award will recognise this year's best U20 athlete at the World Athletics Awards 2025

Finalists announced for 2025 Men's Rising Star Award

The 12 Athlete of the Year finalists have been confirmed, as the countdown to the World Athletics Awards 2025 continues.
The top two athletes in each category &ndash; track, field and out of stadium &ndash; have been chosen from the first round of voting, which comprised votes from the World Athletics Council, World Athletics Family and a public vote on social media. One of the two athletes will take the crown in their category.
A final round of voting &ndash; cast by fans of the sport &ndash; will now take place between 4-9 November to help select the overall women&rsquo;s and men&rsquo;s World Athlete of the Year.
<h2><a href="https://eu.research.net/r/Z6JL535" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vote now</a></h2>
<h3> Finalists</h3>
Women&rsquo;s track athlete of the year Femke Bol (NED) &ndash; world 400m hurdles champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) &ndash; world 400m champion
Men&rsquo;s track athlete of the year Noah Lyles (USA) &ndash; world 200m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi (KEN) &ndash; world 800m champion
Women&rsquo;s field athlete of the year Tara Davis-Woodhall (USA) &ndash; world long jump champion Nicola Olyslagers (AUS) &ndash; world high jump champion
Men&rsquo;s field athlete of the year Mondo Duplantis (SWE) &ndash; world pole vault champion Mattia Furlani (ITA) &ndash; world long jump champion
Women&rsquo;s out of stadium athlete of the year Peres Jepchirchir (KEN) &ndash; world marathon champion Maria Perez (ESP) &ndash; world 20km and 35km race walk champion
Men&rsquo;s out of stadium athlete of the year Sabastian Sawe (KEN) &ndash; London Marathon and Berlin Marathon champion Alphonce Simbu (TAN) &ndash; world marathon champion
The Athletes of the Year in each category, as well as the overall winners, will be revealed at a ceremony in Monaco on Sunday 30 November as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025.
World Athletics

The 12 Athlete of the Year finalists have been confirmed, as the countdown to the World Athletics Awards 2025 continues

Finalists announced for 2025 Athlete of the Year awards

As part of the World Athletics Awards 2025, World Athletics is pleased to confirm the nominees for Women&rsquo;s Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year and Men&rsquo;s Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year.
There are five nominees for these two categories, and a vote will take place to identify the two finalists for each.
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/awards/news/world-athlete-of-the-year-how-it-works" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Athlete of the Year &ndash; how it works</a>
The nominations reflect some of the standout performances achieved during another memorable year for the sport, which peaked with the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.
<h3> Nominees for 2025 Women&rsquo;s Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year (in alphabetical order):</h3>
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/athletes/ethiopia/tigst-assefa-14388506" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tigst Assefa, Ethiopia</a> &bull; World marathon silver medallist and London Marathon winner &bull; World leader with a women-only world record
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/athletes/netherlands/sifan-hassan-14489606" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sifan Hassan, Netherlands</a> &bull;&nbsp;Sydney Marathon winner &bull; London Marathon third place
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/athletes/kenya/peres-jepchirchir-14593938" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peres Jepchirchir, Kenya</a> &bull; World marathon champion &bull; Won her fifth global title
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/athletes/kenya/agnes-jebet-ngetich-14758189" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Agnes Ngetich, Kenya</a> &bull; World 10km record (women-only) &bull; Half marathon world lead with third-fastest performance of all time
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/athletes/spain/maria-perez-14470735" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maria Perez, Spain</a> &bull; Double world champion in 20km and 35km race walk &bull; Unbeaten in 2025
<h3> Nominees for 2025 Men&rsquo;s Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year (in alphabetical order):</h3>
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/athletes/brazil/caio-bonfim-14175843" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Caio Bonfim, Brazil</a> &bull; World 20km race walk champion &bull; World 35km race walk silver medallist
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/athletes/canada/evan-dunfee-14174336" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evan Dunfee, Canada</a> &bull; World 35km race walk champion &bull; World 35km race walk record and area 20km race walk record
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/athletes/ethiopia/yomif-kejelcha-14594967" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yomif Kejelcha, Ethiopia</a> &bull; World 5km leader with sixth-fastest performance in history &bull; World 10km leader with second-fastest performance in history
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/athletes/kenya/sabastian-kimaru-sawe-14833335" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sabastian Sawe, Kenya</a> &bull; London Marathon and Berlin Marathon winner &bull; Top two marathon performances of 2025
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/athletes/tanzania/alphonce-felix-simbu-14487535" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alphonce Simbu, Tanzania</a> &bull; World marathon champion &bull;&nbsp;Boston Marathon runner-up 
The vote to determine the Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year finalists is now open on World Athletics social media platforms &ndash;&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WorldAthletics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/worldathletics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/WorldAthletics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X</a>. Voting closes on 2 November and the winners will be announced at the World Athletics Awards on 30 November.
The <a href="https://worldathletics.org/awards/news/nominees-announced-track-athlete-year-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nominees for the Track Athlete of the Year awards</a> were announced on 13 October and the <a href="https://worldathletics.org/awards/news/nominees-announced-field-athlete-year-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nominees for the Field Athlete of the Year awards</a> were announced on 20 October.
The overall women's and men's World Athlete of the Year award winners will be selected from among the track, field and out of stadium category winners.
World Athletics
&nbsp;

World Athletics is pleased to confirm the nominees for Women’s Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year and Men’s Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year

World Athlete of the Year Mondo Duplantis – in his words

World Athlete of the Year Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone – in her words

Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone named World Athletes of the Year

Belgium’s Van de Velde wins International Fair Play Award

Kenya's Jepchumba Bundotich named Woman of the Year