Track & Field News has selected the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Athletes of the Year since 1959. For the second consecutive year, Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson were runaway winners, with Richardson capturing 22 of the 31 first-place votes from our international panel…

Track & Field News has selected the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Athletes of the Year since 1959. For the second consecutive year, Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson were runaway winners, with Richardson capturing 22 of the 31 first-place votes from our international panel

 

For the second straight year, Track & Field News has honored sprinters Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson as the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Athletes of the Year. The prestigious annual accolade, which has been awarded since 1959, recognizes the top-performing American athletes in track and field based on votes from an international panel of experts.

Richardson, the reigning world 100-meter champion, was the top vote-getter on the women’s side, earning 22 of the 31 first-place votes. Her selection comes after a season that confirmed her transformation from a rising talent to a proven global star.

In 2024, Richardson captured gold in the 100 meters at the World Championships in Budapest, clocking a blazing 10.65 seconds — the fastest time in the world for the year and the joint fifth-fastest time in history. She followed that up with a crucial anchor leg in the U.S. women’s 4×100-meter relay, helping the team secure another gold against a strong Jamaican squad.

Her consistency on the Diamond League circuit, her fearless personality, and her ability to rise to the occasion on the world stage made her an overwhelming choice among voters. After years of ups and downs, Richardson’s breakout 2024 campaign demonstrated not only her physical talent but also her newfound focus and resilience.

Noah Lyles, meanwhile, defended his title as U.S. Men’s Athlete of the Year after a season that further solidified his status as the premier male sprinter in the world. Lyles pulled off a rare and historic sprint double at the World Championships, claiming gold in both the 100 and 200 meters. His 100m win in 9.83 seconds marked a personal best, while his 19.52 in the 200m reaffirmed his dominance in the longer sprint.

Lyles also anchored the U.S. men’s 4×100-meter relay to gold, completing a flawless championship sweep and showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure. His performances on the track were matched by his growing presence off it — Lyles has become a prominent voice in the sport, advocating for athlete mental health, fair treatment, and increased visibility for track and field.

Together, Richardson and Lyles have re-energized American sprinting. Their charisma, competitiveness, and winning performances have brought a wave of momentum to U.S. track and field as the sport builds toward the 2025 World Championships and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Track & Field News has a long history of honoring America’s best, and the back-to-back recognition of both Richardson and Lyles places them among an elite group of repeat winners. If their current trajectory continues, both athletes could be on their way to becoming generational icons — not just for their medals, but for the cultural and athletic impact they are making on and off the track.