History made: Noah Lyles, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Headline Nominees for 2025 USATF Athlete of the Year Awards” As rating gone totally wrong.

History made: Noah Lyles, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Headline Nominees for 2025 USATF Athlete of the Year Awards” As rating gone totally wrong..

The 2025 USA Track & Field (USATF) Athlete of the Year Awards are shaping up to be one of the most thrilling celebrations of athletic excellence in recent memory, with sprint king Noah Lyles and hurdling superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone leading a glittering field of nominees. The ceremony, scheduled for December 5 in Orlando, Florida, will honor America’s finest athletes who have not only dominated the track but also captured the world’s imagination with their record-breaking performances and inspiring stories.

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A Night to Celebrate American Track & Field Excellence

The USATF Awards, held annually, serve as the grand finale to the track and field season in the United States — a night dedicated to celebrating speed, endurance, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. The 2025 edition comes after a remarkable year that saw American athletes shine on the global stage across sprints, jumps, throws, and distance events.

This year’s shortlist includes world champions, Olympic hopefuls, and record-setters who have all contributed to what many are calling a golden era for U.S. track and field. With the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo serving as a backdrop to this season, the performances that earned these nominations were nothing short of extraordinary.

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Noah Lyles: The Showman Sprinting into History

Noah Lyles, the reigning world 100m and 200m champion, remains at the forefront of American sprinting and is widely expected to be among the frontrunners for the men’s Athlete of the Year award. The charismatic sprinter, known for his electric performances and infectious energy, continued his dominance in 2025 by posting world-leading times and maintaining an unbeaten streak in major finals.

Lyles’ season highlight came at the World Championships, where he delivered a breathtaking 19.25 seconds in the 200m final — the fastest time recorded since Usain Bolt’s era. His performances were not just about raw speed; they symbolized a fusion of confidence, showmanship, and consistency.

Off the track, Lyles has been equally influential. His advocacy for athlete mental health and his efforts to connect track and field with mainstream audiences have earned him admiration beyond athletics circles. “I want people to see that track is more than just running,” Lyles said earlier this year. “It’s an art form, a story, and a passion that connects us all.”

With his blend of athletic brilliance and charisma, Lyles’ nomination was inevitable — and for many, he stands as the man to beat for 2025 USATF Male Athlete of the Year.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: A Standard Above the Rest

On the women’s side, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone once again finds herself leading the pack. The reigning Olympic and world champion in the 400m hurdles has redefined what is possible in the event, combining precision, grace, and raw power in ways that seem almost effortless.

McLaughlin-Levrone’s 2025 season was nothing short of historic. She clocked a jaw-dropping 50.58 seconds in the 400m hurdles at the U.S. Championships — breaking her own world record for the fifth time in her career. Her versatility also shone through as she competed in the open 400m, where she posted several sub-49-second runs, further establishing herself as one of the greatest female athletes of her generation.

What sets McLaughlin-Levrone apart, however, is not just her dominance but her humility and faith-driven focus. “I don’t chase times anymore,” she said in a post-race interview. “I chase perfection — the perfect execution, the perfect rhythm, the perfect race.”

With her continued excellence, McLaughlin-Levrone is the overwhelming favorite to take home the USATF Female Athlete of the Year title for yet another year.

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Other Notable Nominees: A Season Full of Stars

While Lyles and McLaughlin-Levrone headline the list, the competition for this year’s awards is fierce, with several deserving names vying for recognition.

Among the men’s nominees, standout athletes include:

Grant Holloway, who continued his reign in the 110m hurdles, securing another world title with his trademark precision and speed.

Ryan Crouser, the shot put titan, who extended his world record and proved once again that he’s in a league of his own.

Erriyon Knighton, the teenage prodigy who challenged the veterans with blistering sprint performances that hint at a new generation rising.

For the women, the field is equally stacked:

Athing Mu, who reclaimed her 800m world title in a tactically brilliant race, reminding fans why she’s one of the smoothest runners in the sport.

Sha’Carri Richardson, whose comeback season was marked by fiery performances in the 100m and 200m, along with an electrifying world relay title.

Katie Moon (née Nageotte), who soared to new heights in pole vault, continuing her consistent excellence at global events.

Each of these athletes has a compelling case for recognition, making this year’s voting one of the most competitive in recent memory.

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The Ceremony: A Star-Studded Affair in Orlando

The awards gala, set for December 5 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, promises to be a night of glamour and inspiration. The event will feature highlights from the season, tributes to retiring legends, and special recognition for coaches, officials, and community contributors who have shaped American athletics from the grassroots up.

In addition to the Athlete of the Year honors, awards will also be presented in categories such as Rising Star of the Year, Masters Athlete of the Year, and the Jesse Owens Award for Excellence, which honors athletes who embody the spirit and legacy of the American track and field legend.

The event will be streamed live on the official USATF Network, giving fans worldwide a chance to celebrate the achievements of their favorite athletes.

Looking Ahead: The Road to 2026

With the 2026 Olympic Games in Los Angeles fast approaching, the performances recognized at this year’s USATF Awards will undoubtedly set the tone for what promises to be a monumental period in American athletics. Lyles, McLaughlin-Levrone, and their fellow nominees represent not just past achievements but the promise of future glory on home soil.

As fans and peers prepare to honor these extraordinary talents, one thing is clear — U.S. track and field is thriving. The blend of youthful energy and seasoned excellence, of passion and professionalism, continues to elevate the sport to new heights.

Conclusion

The 2025 USATF Athlete of the Year Awards will not just celebrate results on paper; they will recognize the stories behind those victories — stories of resilience, dedication, and the unyielding pursuit of greatness.

Whether it’s Noah Lyles sprinting into history or Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone perfecting her art over hurdles, both embody the enduring spirit of American track and field — a sport built on heart, hustle, and heroism.

As the world turns its eyes toward Orlando this December, one thing is certain: this year’s celebration will be more than just an awards night — it will be a testament to the power of human potential.