Lyles and McLaughlin Levrone nominated for World Athletics awards

American sprinter Noah Lyles and his compatriot Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the queen of the 400m, are among the nominees for the title of best track athlete of the year, according to the list unveiled on Monday by World Athletics. 

Lyles is the stand-out name of the five nominated on the men’s list after winning the 200m and 4x100m double at the world championships in Tokyo last month but there is no guarantee that he will win. 

Last year, after winning 100m gold at the Paris Olympics, he was not selected as one of the two to go forward for the final decision. 

He will face stiff competition, not least from France’s Jimmy Gressier, who was the surprise winner of the 10,000m in Tokyo and took bronze in the 5,000m, and another American Rai Benjamin, who won the 400m hurdles at the world championships.

Americans dominate the women’s category as well with McLaughlin-Levrone joined by Melissa Jefferson-Wooden who won three titles in Tokyo in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m.

McLaughlin-Levrone, already a double Olympic champion, strengthened her claim by becoming the first woman in 40 years to break the 48-second barrier in the 400m in Tokyo. She also won the 4x400m.

Voting is open on the world governing body’s social media channels until October 19 with the names of the two finalists to be announced on November 2. 

Nominees: 

Men: Rai Benjamin (USA), Jimmy Gressier (FRA), Noah Lyles (USA), Cordell Tinch (USA), Emmanuel Wanyonyi (KEN).

Women: Femke Bol (NED), Beatrice Chebet (KEN), Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (USA), Faith Kipyegon (KEN) Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA).