Richardson fans protest as World Athletics releases finalists of the Women’s Athlete of the Year

The names of the five finalists for Women’s World Athlete of the Year honours have been confirmed, as the countdown to the World Athletics Awards 2023 continues.

The five athletes, who represent five 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.

The finalists are Tigist Assefa, Ethiopia winner of Berlin marathon winner and world record holder. Dutch hurdler Femke Bol, World champion in 400m hurdles indoor record and outdoor world champion.

Jamaican Shericka Jackson, world champion in 200m and 100m silver medallist. Jackson also won the  Diamond League 100m and 200m.

Also on the list is Kenyan Faith Kipyegon champion in 1500m, one mile, and 5000m. She also broke the world records at 1500m, mile, and 5000m.

The final name on the list is Venezuela Yulimar Rojas world champion in the triple jump and diamond league champion.

The World Athletes of the Year will be announced on World Athletics’ platforms on December 11, as part of the World Athletics Awards 2023.

Meanwhile, fans of American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson have reacted to her missing out on the five finalists for Women’s World Athlete of the Year.

Some fans strongly believe Richardson should have made it to the final list with others arguing that the American had not achieved great milestones to make it to the final list.

One athletics enthusiast, Track Spice, posted on X (Twitter) asking: “So Sha’Carri Richardson wasn’t a finalist?”

Another X user, Kyle Anthony, commented saying: “Why would she be?” Another X user added to Track Spice’s question saying: “I mean this is a prestigious list these women set standards above their competitors.”

Western King, an angry X user, commented mentioning his preferences. He said: “If I’m picking my top 5, Sha’Carri Richardson, Faith Kipyegon, Shericka Jackson, Assefa and Femke Bol. Rojas is not supposed to be on this topic this year. Argue with your ancestors.”

He added: “I think Sha’Carri Richardson would have replaced Rojas because Rojas didn’t really do well this major season.”

Richardson has been in the form of her life this season and she will be keen to extend the hot streak to the Olympic season.