“For me, 2025 was a year where I stepped out of my comfort zone and pushed the limits of what was mentally and physically possible,” McLaughlin-Levrone, 26, said.
“I want to continue pushing the limits in 2026.”
Duplantis added: “It’s very important for me to win this for the participants on the field. It’s very special, I’m really going to appreciate it.”
“I really try to be the best version of myself that I can be. I have a lot of joy that I hope to convey when I’m on the court. I have an immense passion and joy for what I do.
“I’m so obsessed with pole vaulting and I love pushing myself.”
Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone also won athlete of the year awards in men’s and women’s track, respectively.
Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers, who won world high jump titles in both indoor and outdoor track, was named women’s field athlete of the year, while Kenya’s world 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi won the men’s track award.
Spain’s Maria Perez, who won world titles in both the 20km and 35km walk, and London Marathon and Berlin Marathon winner Sabastian Sawe won the awards outside the stadium.