High jumper Nicola Olyslagers has been named the female field athlete of the year at the World Athletics Awards in Monaco, becoming only the second Australian athlete to receive such an honour since hurdler Sally Pearson in 2011.
The 28-year-old capped a superb 2025 season by winning the women's high jump at both the world outdoor and indoor championships, and also claimed the Diamond League crown in Zurich with a national and Oceania record clearance of 2.04 metres.
Reflecting on her journey, Olyslagers recalled working in a cafe washing dishes at age 20, saving money to compete internationally. 'I'd dream about places where I would try and compete if I could, and I would dream about what I would say to people if I could ever reach that level,' she said.
Legendary Australian broadcaster Bruce McAvaney, 72, was honoured with the World Athletics President's Award for exceptional service to athletics. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe praised McAvaney's 'drive for knowledge' and ability to recognise performance in a historical context, calling him one of Australia's greatest sports commentators.
McAvaney said receiving the award from Coe was 'truly one of the highlights of my career.'
Other winners included Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the United States as women's world athlete of the year and Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis as men's world athlete of the year.
