The three finalists for the inaugural award
The selection for the World Athletics Moment of the Year has narrowed down to three extraordinary feats that defined the 2026 track and field season. These finalists emerged from an initial pool of 18 nominated moments, which were decided through a public voting process conducted via the official World Athletics mobile application. The final shortlist represents a diverse range of disciplines, from team-based relay successes to individual endurance and middle-distance breakthroughs.
The first finalist is the Botswana men's 4x400m relay team, which secured a historic victory on home soil during the World Athletics Relays. This win was noted for its intense atmosphere and the collective triumph of the nation's sprinters. The second finalist is middle-distance specialist Josh Kerr, who set a staggering new world record in the mile with a time of 3:42.66 in London. The third finalist is Sebastian Sowe, whose marathon performance in London saw him clock a time of 1:59:30, effectively shattering the long-standing two-hour barrier.
Defining the Moment of the Year criteria
The "Moment of the Year" award was specifically established by the global governing body to highlight events that transcend simple statistical excellence. According to World Athletics, the award aims to identify the most memorable occurrence of the season—a moment that goes beyond a single athletic performance to provoke intense emotion and provide profound inspiration to fans and viewers globally. This distinction separates the award from traditional performance-based trophies.
While the finalists represent the highest level of achievement, the selection process also considered high-drama competitions. For instance, the intense pole vault duel in Zurich between Mondo Duplantis, who cleared 6.25m, and Emmanuil Karalis, who reached 6.20m, was among the 18 moments initially considered by the voting public. The inclusion of such high-stakes duels underscores the award's focus on the narrative and emotional weight of athletic competition.
The World Athletics Awards in Monaco
The winner of the Moment of the Year will be officially crowned during the World Athletics Awards, scheduled to take place in Monaco on November 29, 2026. This gala event serves as the primary stage for recognizing the sport's elite performers and contributors. The ceremony is designed to honor not just the athletes on the track, but the entire ecosystem that supports global athletics.
Beyond the Moment of the Year, the Monaco ceremony will distribute several other major honors. These include the top honors for the male and female Athletes of the Year, as well as the Rising Stars award for emerging talent. Additionally, the event will recognize excellence in leadership and guidance by presenting the Coach of the Year and the President's Award. The gathering acts as a definitive annual summary of the sport's progress and its most influential figures.
Award categories at a glance
- Athletes of the Year: Recognizing the premier male and female performers.
- Rising Stars: Highlighting the most promising young talents in the sport.
- Coach of the Year: Honoring the strategic minds behind the champions.
- President's Award: Celebrating exceptional service to the athletics community.
