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Africa also has another reason to celebrate, with Botswana's historic men's 4x400m relay triumph earning a place among the finalists.

Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe takes centre stage as Africa’s athletics achievements receive global recognition ahead of the World Athletics Awards in Monaco.

Kenyan marathon star Sabastian Sawe’s historic sub-two-hour marathon performance has been shortlisted for the inaugural 2026 Moment of the Year award, placing Kenya and Africa firmly in the global athletics spotlight.

Sawe is among three finalists announced by World Athletics ahead of the prestigious World Athletics Awards scheduled for November 29 in Monaco.

The Kenyan distance-running sensation earned his place on the shortlist after producing an extraordinary world marathon record of 1:59:30 in London, becoming the first athlete to break the two-hour barrier in an official marathon race.

His remarkable achievement stands alongside two other outstanding moments from the athletics season: Botswana’s men's 4x400m relay victory on home soil at the World Athletics Relays and Britain's Josh Kerr's world mile record of 3:42.66 in London.

Sawe's nomination is a major moment for Kenyan athletics, a country whose reputation as a global powerhouse in distance running continues to inspire generations of athletes across Africa and beyond.

Africa also has another reason to celebrate, with Botswana's historic men's 4x400m relay triumph earning a place among the finalists. The victory on home soil was a defining moment for Botswana, demonstrating the country's growing strength in global track and field competition.

The third finalist, Josh Kerr, delivered an equally memorable performance by setting a world mile record of 3:42.66 in London, adding another remarkable chapter to the season.

According to World Athletics, the Moment of the Year award has been introduced to recognise the most memorable occasion of the season, celebrating moments that go beyond individual performances to generate emotion, inspiration and excitement among fans and spectators worldwide.

The three finalists were selected following a fan vote conducted through the official World Athletics application.

The eventual winner will be announced live on stage during the World Athletics Awards ceremony in Monaco on November 29.

Other honours to be presented at the ceremony include the men's and women's World Athlete of the Year awards, Rising Star honours, Coach of the Year and the President's Award.