India’s golden boy Neeraj Chopra has made it to the final list for the Men’s Athlete of the year award. The reigning Olympic and World Champion is one among the five finalist in contention to win the prestigious award later this year. World Athletics on Tuesday announced the list of the finalists for Men’s World Athlete of the Year Award 2023.
“The five athletes, who represent four countries from four area associations, have achieved sensational performances across a range of athletics disciplines in 2023, winning titles and breaking world records at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23, one-day meeting circuits, Label road races and other events around the world,” World Athletics stated in a release.
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Apart from Neeraj Chopra, the other four finalists are reigning world champions Shotputter Ryan Crouser from USA and Pole Vaulter Mondo Duplantis from Sweden. Marathon world record breaker Kelvin Kiptum and American sprinter Noah Lyles are also in the list.
How did Neeraj Chopra become the finalist?
According to World Athletics, a three-way process determined the finalists. The World Athletics Council and the World Athletics Family cast their votes by email.
Meanwhile, fans also voted online via the World Athletics social media platforms. According to World Athletics, a record 2 million votes were registered. The World Athletes of the Year will be announced on World Athletics’ platforms on 11 December.