Kenya's Emmanuel Wanyonyi has been crowned the Male Track Athlete of the Year, a fitting pinnacle to a season of breathtaking dominance. The 21-year-old Olympic and world champion accepted the honour at a glittering World Athletics Awards gala in Monaco on Sunday night, cementing his status as the undisputed king of the 800 metres.

This award is more than just another medal for the young star from Trans-Nzoia County; it is a landmark moment for Kenyan athletics. Wanyonyi becomes only the third Kenyan man to win the prestigious title, following in the footsteps of legends David Rudisha and Eliud Kipchoge. His victory over a star-studded field, including American sprint superstar Noah Lyles, signals Kenya's enduring power on the global track, well beyond its traditional marathon dominance.

A Season of Unmatched Dominance

Wanyonyi's claim to the throne was built on a season of relentless victories and blistering times. He has won nearly every major title available in the last two years, establishing an era of authority over the two-lap race. His 2025 campaign was a masterclass in athletic excellence.

• World Champion: Wanyonyi stormed to victory at the World Championships in Tokyo, setting a new Championship Record of 1:41.86.
• Diamond League Champion: For the third consecutive time, he clinched the overall Diamond League trophy, capping the season with a win in the Zurich final.
• World Leading Time: He set the fastest 800m time in the world this year, clocking a stunning 1:41.44 at the Monaco Diamond League meet.
• Consistent Victories: His season was decorated with wins at Diamond League events in Oslo, London, and Monaco.

"I really wanted to have a good race, a fast one... The gold medal was important for me," Wanyonyi noted after his World Championship win in Tokyo, highlighting the champion's mindset that drove his spectacular year.

A Kenyan Triple Crown in Monaco

The night was a resounding success for Kenya, with two other athletes receiving top honours. Sabastian Sawe was named the men's Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year for his marathon victories, while 17-year-old Edmund Serem won the Male Rising Star of the Year award after his bronze medal performance in the 3000m steeplechase at the World Championships. This triple victory underscores the depth and vibrant future of Kenyan athletics.

As the nation celebrates a new hero, all eyes turn to what's next for Emmanuel Wanyonyi. Having conquered the world and secured its highest honour, the young champion now looks towards defending his titles and perhaps, chasing the one thing that remains: David Rudisha's elusive world record.