World Athletics has unveiled the six finalists for the prestigious Member Federations Award 2025, a shortlist that underscores the shifting power dynamics and organisational modernisation within global track and field. Nominated by their respective area associations, these federations are being recognised not just for podium finishes, but for the strategic governance and inclusivity driving the sport’s growth across six continents.
The nominations reflect a year defined by high-performance breakthroughs at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
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Africa: The Botswana Athletics Association enters the shortlist following a historic campaign in Tokyo, headlined by Collen Kebinatshipi’s 400m world title and 4x400m relay gold. The nomination highlights a successful long-term shift toward elite high-performance programming in the region.
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Americas: USA Track & Field (NACAC), which dominated the Tokyo 25 medal table, is recognised alongside Federacion Ecuatoriana de Atletismo (South America). While the US focused on coach education and a new domestic tour for 2026, Ecuador’s nod stems from its historic medals and a robust new framework for athlete welfare and inclusivity.
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Asia & Oceania: The Chinese Athletics Association is cited for institutional innovation and gender equality initiatives, while Athletics New Zealand is celebrated for strengthening athlete pathways and its ambitious high-performance roadmap leading toward the 2028 Olympic cycle.
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Europe: The Real Federacion Espanola de Atletismo rounds out the list, recognised for record-breaking youth performances and modernising its governance operations.
Leadership Beyond the Track
The winner, to be decided by the World Athletics Executive Board, will be announced on November 28. Beyond the medals, the award spotlights the vital organisational leadership required to nurture talent in an increasingly competitive global landscape. As athletics seeks to expand its reach, these six federations serve as the current benchmarks for dedication, safety, and innovation in the sport