The list is getting tighter. The International Federation of Athletics (World Athletics) has unveiled the names of the five finalists for the coveted title of World Female Athlete of the Year. They come from five countries and four continents. But the diversity is above all geographical, with four of the five candidates representing the races. The list includes, in alphabetical order, Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa, world record-holder in the marathon; the Netherlands’ Femke Bol, world champion in the 400 m hurdles, world record-holder in the 400 m indoor ; Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, 200 m world champion, 100 m silver medallist; Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, 1500 m and 5000 m world champion, 1500 m, mile and 5000 m world recordwoman; Venezuela’s Yulimar Rojas, triple jump world champion. The five finalists were selected by a three-stage process: the World Athletics Board and the athletics “family” (officials, agents, coaches, journalists, etc.) voted by e-mail, while fans posted their choices on social networks, where a record 2 million votes were cast. The winners of the World Athletics trophies will be announced on December 11.
