It’s the end of the year and that time we call, awards time. Nothing out of the ordinary, as we’ve been doing this for decades. Choosing the Best of the Year in a myriad of topics, including sports, entertainment, books and other subjects. It’s basically a celebration of the many things that we love. And as much as someone or something, it’s an opportunity to single out the best of the best. It’s a celebration of all that were selected to contend for these awards and to discuss, compare, and celebrate ALL of their accomplishments.
Which is why I am bamboozled by the recent announcement of the World Athletics choice of the Athlete of the Year. Why? Well, because after going through the process of defining the list of prospects for athlete of the year. Then voting on said list. They fumbled the ball by NOT naming an athlete of the year! Instead they named SIX athletes of the year. Three men and three women. Further dividing them up into, track, field, and “outside of the stadium”! Causing a storm of criticism against World Athletics.
Now, I’m going to say that I agree with this criticism. You established the award as a SINGULAR award. You named the field of contenders for the award. You held the vote for the award. Then you should have announced the results of this vote, and given out this award! Along with the runners up, and the full results of the voting. Which would basically outline the ratings of the athletes by the voters. This is more than acceptable, because it’s what was expected.
So, why didn’t World Athletics do this? To be honest, I don’t know. I’m not sure anyone knows. That said, it appears that they simply didn’t have the guts to make the call. And if that’s the case, it’s a sad statement on the organization. But I’ve questioned many of the decisions of this organization. Especially in recent years.
I will say, that I’m not necessarily against having several athlete of the year awards. Men and Women. Track and Field. Personally I think these are acceptable. The whole, “outside of the stadium” thing. That’s really road running, and that should be a whole separate set of awards in my humble opinion. But the other four as awards I think would be fine. Simply state that from the start and go through the appropriate process of announcing what’s being chosen. Then nominations; reducing the field; voting; announcement; and awards. That is what would be proper and fair to all concerned. What was done was cowardice in the eyes of many. Including myself.
For the record, as much as I am a huge fan of most of the finalists. This award was an easy one to decide. The Athlete of the Year was Faith Kipyegon. She set multiple world records in several events. Set standards that may only be challenged by her in the near future. Won everything and beat everyone. Including other record setting level athletes. Truly, if there was ever an easy award to give, this was it. No disrespect to the other nominees. This just happened to be a year of true greatness throughout the sport! Which is perhaps what World Athletics should have said. Instead of the cowardly path that they chose.