The 2024 track and field season was remarkable, showcasing numerous athletes who excelled on various platforms, including the Olympics and Diamond League Meetings. From record-breaking performances to extraordinary victories, this season has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the sport. Here are five athletes who stood out for their astounding performances throughout the year.
1. Letsile Tebogo
Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo emerged as a dominant force in the world of athletics during the 2024 season. His journey began impressively when he set a 300m world best time at the Curro Podium Final, showcasing his incredible speed and potential. Despite facing personal tragedy with the loss of his mother, Seratiwa Tebogo, he managed to channel his grief into success, culminating in an unforgettable performance at the Paris Olympic Games.
At just 21 years old, Tebogo claimed the gold medal in the 100m, fulfilling a lifelong dream and marking a significant milestone in his career. He also played a pivotal role in leading the Botswana 4x400m relay team to a silver medal, finishing just behind Team USA. His post-Olympics success continued as he triumphed in several Diamond League Meetings, including Lausanne, Silesia, Rome, and Zurich, along with a victory in the 200m at the Grand Prix Lombardia. He capped off his season with a strong performance, finishing second to Kenny Bednarek in the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels. Tebogo’s exceptional season not only solidified his status as a rising star in athletics but also brought pride to Botswana on the global stage.
2. Julien Alfred
Julien Alfred, the sprinter from Saint Lucia, made waves on the international athletics scene this year. Her consistent performance in the 100m and 200m events posed a serious challenge to the traditional dominance of athletes from Jamaica and the United States. Alfred’s season kicked off with a historic win in the women’s 100m at the Paris Olympics, where she triumphed over notable competitors, including Sha’Carri Richardson.
But her achievements did not stop there. Following her Olympic success, Alfred continued to demonstrate her prowess in the 200m, securing a silver medal behind Gabby Thomas. Her impressive run culminated in a spectacular victory at the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels, where she once again claimed the top spot in the women’s 100m. At only 23 years old, Alfred’s incredible season has not only elevated her status but also inspired many aspiring athletes in Saint Lucia and beyond. As she looks toward the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, her remarkable performances this season set a solid foundation for continued success.
3. Emmanuel Wanyonyi
Emmanuel Wanyonyi, a 20-year-old middle-distance runner, emerged as a sensational athlete this season, making headlines with his outstanding performances in the 800m. Wanyonyi started the year by breaking the 5km road world record, an achievement that showcased his versatility and stamina. His most significant triumph came at the Paris Olympic Games, where he clinched the gold medal in the men’s 800m, defeating formidable opponents like Marco Arop and Djamel Sedjati.
Wanyonyi’s victory at the Olympics marked a significant moment for Kenyan athletics, as he became the first Kenyan since David Rudisha in 2016 to secure the 800m title. He then solidified his status as a top competitor by nearly breaking Rudisha’s world record during the Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne, clocking an impressive 1:41.11. Wanyonyi capped off his season by winning the Diamond League Meeting trophy in Brussels, further establishing his credentials as one of the sport’s rising stars. With his incredible achievements, Wanyonyi is poised for even greater success in the years to come.
4. Beatrice Chebet
Beatrice Chebet had a stellar season, dominating the middle-distance events and setting the stage for her future endeavors. Starting strong, she broke the 5km world record on New Year’s Eve, announcing her arrival as a serious contender in the athletics world. Her success continued at the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, where she defended her title against a formidable field, demonstrating her endurance and competitiveness.
Chebet’s most outstanding feat came when she shattered the 10,000m world record at the Prefontaine Classic, sending a clear message to her competitors ahead of the Olympic Games. At the Paris Olympics, Chebet made history by becoming the first Kenyan woman to win gold medals in both the 5000m and 10,000m events, solidifying her place in athletics history. After narrowly missing the 5000m world record in a solo race at the Diamond League Meeting in Zurich, where she clocked 14:09.52, she concluded her season with another victory at the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels. Chebet’s remarkable achievements this season have set her on a path to continued excellence, with eyes firmly set on the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
5. Mondo Duplantis
Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis showcased one of the most spectacular seasons in the history of athletics. Beginning the year with a world record jump of 6.24m at the Diamond League Meeting in Xiamen, Duplantis quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His continued success saw him claim top honors at the European Athletics Championships before further elevating his game at the Paris Olympics, where he broke his own world record by clearing an astonishing 6.25m.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Duplantis continued to push the limits of his abilities, setting a new world record of 6.26m at the Diamond League Meeting in Silesia. His extraordinary performances included a thrilling competition against Karsten Warholm in the 100m, showcasing his versatility beyond pole vaulting. Duplantis concluded his season by securing another trophy at the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels, further cementing his status as one of the greatest pole vaulters in history. His achievements not only inspire future generations but also highlight the exciting potential of the sport.
Conclusion
The 2024 track and field season was marked by incredible performances and historic achievements. Athletes like Letsile Tebogo, Julien Alfred, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Beatrice Chebet, and Mondo Duplantis have not only demonstrated their exceptional talent but also their resilience and determination in overcoming challenges. As they look ahead to the next competitive season, their successes will undoubtedly inspire many, while setting the stage for thrilling competitions in the years to come.
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