“For me, 2025 was a year of stepping outside of the comfort zone and pushing the bounds of what was mentally and physically possible,” said McLaughlin-Levrone, 26.
“I want to continue pushing boundaries in 2026.”
Duplantis added: “It’s really important for me to win this for the field eventers. It’s very special, I’m going to really cherish this one.
“I genuinely try to be the best version of myself that I can possibly be. I have a lot of joy that I hope to spread when I’m on the track. I have an immense passion and joy for what I do.
“I’m so obsessed with pole vaulting and I love pushing myself.”
Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone also won the athlete of the year prizes for men’s field and women’s track respectively.
Australian Nicola Olyslagers, who won world high jump titles both indoors and outdoors, was named women’s field athlete of the year, while Kenya’s world 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi won the men’s track prize.
Spain’s Maria Perez, who won world titles in both the 20km race walk and the 35km race walk, and London Marathon and Berlin Marathon winner Sabastian Sawe won the out of stadium awards.
