Sri Lankan javelin champion Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage has been nominated for the prestigious 2026 Men’s World Athlete of the Year award following a remarkable season on the international athletics circuit.
Pathirage is among 10 athletes shortlisted by World Athletics for the men’s award, with the winners set to be announced at the World Athletics Awards in Monaco on November 29.
Record-Breaking Season
Pathirage has enjoyed an outstanding 2026 campaign, collecting major titles across the international circuit.
The Sri Lankan star won the Ultimate Championship, Diamond League, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games javelin titles during the season.
He also produced a world-leading national record of 92.62 metres and won 13 of his 14 competitions, underlining his consistency at the highest level.
His performances have now earned him recognition among the leading male athletes of the year.
How the Winner Will Be Decided
According to World Athletics, the 10 nominees were selected by an eight-member panel of statisticians, consisting of two representatives from World Athletics and one representative from each of the six continental area associations.
The final result will be determined through a four-way voting process, with each group contributing 25% of the overall vote.
The voting groups are:
- World Athletics fans
- Athletes who competed in World Athletics Series events during 2026
- Accredited media and content creators
- The wider World Athletics Family
The six finalists will be announced on November 10 and 11, with three finalists selected in each category.
The finalists will then be invited to Monaco for the World Athletics Awards, where the men’s and women’s World Athlete of the Year winners will be revealed on November 29.
Historic Recognition for Sri Lanka
Pathirage’s nomination represents a significant moment for Sri Lankan athletics.
He is the first Sri Lankan athlete to be named among the nominees for the World Athlete of the Year award, putting Sri Lanka on the shortlist for one of the sport’s most prestigious individual honours.
Following a season highlighted by major championship victories, a 92.62m national record and 13 wins from 14 competitions, Pathirage now awaits the announcement of the finalists in November.
