Track Athlete of the Year: Julien Alfred and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone announced as finalists, Beatrice Chebet questionably snubbed

Olympic champions Julien Alfred and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone have been announced as the finalists for the World Athletics Female Track Athlete of the Year Award, with Beatrice Chebet questionably snubbed.

The trio had record-breaking performances and iconic seasons, which inevitably makes them well-deserving of the prestigious award.

Alfred made history in Paris by becoming Saint Lucia's first Olympic champion and scooped the world 60m indoor and Diamond League titles.

Consequently, McLaughlin-Levrone showed her consistency and dominance in the women's 400mH again by claiming the Olympic title in a new World Record time and was significant in Team USA's 4x400m gold medal.

For Chebet, she inspired a Kenyan 1-2 in the Olympic 5000m final, did the double in the 10,000m, and clocked a new 10,000m World Record during the season. The remaining three athletes who made the initial nominee list were Faith Kipyegon, Marileidy Paulino, and Gabby Thomas.

According to the World Athletics, the nominees reflect standout performances at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, World Athletics Indoor Championships, one-day meeting circuits, and other events worldwide.

However, based on the World Athletics voting procedure of fans engaging their preferred choice across their social media platforms, Kenya's long-distance queen Chebet was miles ahead and yet was snubbed, thus raising questions from fans.

With the finalists announced as Alfred and McLaughlin-Levrone, whoever wins will arouse controversies if it was truly merit, political, or media-based.