World Athletics is pleased to announce the three finalists for the 2026 Women's Rising Star Award, which will recognise this year's best U20 athlete at the World Athletics Awards in Monaco on 29 November.

The nominations reflect some of the standout U20 performances witnessed across the sport this year, at World Athletics Series events, regional championships and one-day meeting circuits around the world.

The winner of the 2026 Women's Rising Star Award will be announced live on stage at the World Athletics Awards.

The finalists are:

Marta Alemayo, Ethiopia
• retained her world U20 cross-country title
• ran 14:15 for 5km, the third-fastest performance in history

Mia Maxwell, United States
• world U20 100m champion
• world U20 200m champion in a PB of 22.37

Yan Ziyi, China
• world U20 javelin record of 71.74m, the second-farthest throw in history
• Diamond League champion and runner-up at World Athletics Ultimate Championship

Other awards presented on stage will include the women’s and men’s World Athlete of the Year honours, Coach of the Year, the President’s Award and Moment of the Year.

The finalists for the Men's Rising Star Award will be announced on Friday (13).

World Athletics