Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Beatrice Chebet Retain Titles at 2025 SOYA Awards

World champions Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Beatrice Chebet were once again named the top athletes at the 22nd Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA), retaining their titles in the men's and women's categories, respectively.

The prestigious gala, held at Uhuru Gardens on Friday night, celebrated the outstanding achievements of Kenyan sports figures throughout 2025. The event was graced by Ethiopian former marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie.

In the men's category, Emmanuel Wanyonyi claimed the top prize, outshining London Marathon champion Sabastien Sawe, who was the first runner-up. Harambee Stars winger Ryan Ogam finished as the second runner-up.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi won the award following the impressive season that saw him claim top honours in the men’s 800m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The reigning Olympic 800m champion crossed the finish line in an impressive championship record time of 1:41.86 ahead of Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati, who clocked 1:41.90. Canada’s Marco Arop, who was looking to defend his title, could only finish third in 1:41.95.

Sabastian Sawe was outstanding in his performance on the roads, winning the London and Berlin Marathons, but that was not enough to secure him a win as he came in second behind Emmanuel Wanyonyi.

Ryan Ogam also made the list, thanks to his impressive performance during the 2024 African Nations Championship that saw Harambee Stars go all the way to the quarterfinal. He also starred in the World Cup qualifiers.

On the women’s side, double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet, who achieved a remarkable double gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, was voted the best female athlete.

The 5000m world record holder was followed by four-time 1500m world champion Faith Kipyegon and world 3000m SC champion Faith Cherotich, who placed second and third, respectively.

More to follow…