Overview
- World Athletics confirmed Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol as the two finalists, leaving Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet off the shortlist’s final cut.
- Social media tallies showed Kipyegon leading fan voting with about 48,000 votes and Chebet at roughly 31,000, yet both missed the final due to the 50/25/25 voting split favoring the Council and the World Athletics Family.
- McLaughlin-Levrone switched to the 400m and won the world title in 47.78, an American record, while Bol defended her 400m hurdles world crown after an undefeated season.
- Jefferson-Wooden’s omission drew the strongest reaction after a dominant campaign that included World Championships gold in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay.
- Fan voting on social platforms runs November 4–9 with likes and reposts counted as votes, and the winner will be announced on November 30.