ADDIS ABABA (HAN) November 28, 2015 – Public Diplomacy and Regional Stability Initiatives News. Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia was named female IAAF World Athlete of the Year for 2015 on Thursday (November 26).
The US’s Ashton Eaton was voted male World Athlete. Both set world records during 2015, Genzebe in the 1500m, and Eaton in the decathlon. Genzebe after setting a world indoor 5000m record of 14:18.86, was then unbeaten in her five 1500m races during the summer.
Firstly, she ran an African record of 3:54.11 in Barcelona, the fastest time in the world for almost 12 years, and then topped that with a stunning world record of 3:50.07 in Monaco to beat a mark that had been on the books since 1993. In Beijing, she won all her 1500m races comfortably and taking a 5000m bronze medal as well.
Genzebe said that “After being a finalist and narrowly missing out on this award one year ago, I am very proud to be recognized by the fans and experts of our sport.” She said: “It feels so good to be the World Athlete of the Year.” An exceptionally well deserved honor, and many congratulations. MFA
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