Lausanne, Switzerland – 31 January 2025: The International World Games Association (IWGA) is thrilled to announce the winners of The World Games Athlete of the Year 2024, as determined by thousands of passionate fans from around the globe.
The final standings of the competition are as follows:
The World Games Athlete of the Year 2024: Veddriq Leonardo (Indonesia) – Sport Climbing – 77,045 votes on the final round
1st runner-up: Kristin Lätt (Estonia) – Flying Disc – 51,338
2nd runner-up: Xin Tong (China) – Wushu - 26,181
The World Games extends heartfelt congratulations to these extraordinary athletes for their remarkable achievements in their respective sports and for inspiring fans worldwide with their dedication and skill.
"We are deeply grateful to all the fans who participated in this year’s vote, supporting their favourite athletes and demonstrating the power of the global sports community. We congratulate the winners, and all the candidates who took part and got valuable promotion on social and digital media", Communication and Media Director Anna Jacobson says, and continues: "To all ten finalists, you are all champions in the eyes of the IWGA and your supporters. Your performances, passion, and hard work have elevated your sports and inspired millions. We applaud your incredible contributions to The World Games. Your stories inspire all of us!"
The federations of the top-3 in The World Games Athlete of the Year are thrilled about the success of their athlete. IFSC (Sports Climbing) President Marco Scolaris commented:
"Winning an award like this is extra special because it was voted for by the public, and they are giving Veddriq the recognition for his amazing achievement. Before Veddriq Indonesia had only won gold in Badminton. The country has the fourth largest population in the world, and in the sporting world they are investing to become a giant like some of the other bigger nations: we are honoured to be part of this process. If you could see the reaction Veddriq has had in the country, he has made a lot of people proud.”
“He has also made the whole climbing community proud by showcasing the physical feats of our athletes to the world. We will be returning to Indonesia this year with a World Cup in Bali, the atmosphere and party, especially after yet another award for Veddriq, it is going to be something special.”
The World Games Athlete of the Year 2024, Veddriq Leonardo (INA) said:
“Winning The World Games Athlete of the Year is something I never imagined before. To be voted for by the public, and with so many great athletes from so many other great sports, it is an absolute honour and shows me the enthusiasm people have for Sport Climbing.”
First runner-up, Kristin Lätt (EST) is very happy about her result:
"First of all, I’m incredibly honoured to be nominated alongside so many talented athletes representing flying disc sports, and even more so to be recognized among athletes from such a wide range of disciplines. To me, this shows that disc golf is loved by many, and I couldn't be happier to represent and be part of this amazing community. This recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication of disc golfers worldwide, and it’s truly rewarding to see my beloved sport gaining more visibility and appreciation.”
Robert "Nob" Rauch, President of the World Flying Disc Federation, commented:
“On behalf of the global Flying Disc community, I'd like to wholeheartedly congratulate Kristin Lätt of Estonia on this magnificent achievement. This is incredible recognition for Kristin as a stand-out athlete over the last several years and for her many accomplishments in women’s disc golf. It is particularly exciting for us as we will be reintroducing disc golf this summer on The World Games programme after 24 years since it was last a medal sport. We give our sincerest thanks to all our frisbee fans who voted for Kristin over the last month and we look forward to seeing everyone in Chengdu.”
David Berglund, CEO, Latitude 64° (Lätt’s sponsor), noted:
“We are incredibly proud of Kristin for her remarkable achievement in earning a spot on the podium for The World Games Athlete of the Year 2024 awards. This recognition elevates the entire sport and serves as a powerful example of the potential disc golf has to grow and thrive on the world stage. We’re excited to see how this milestone will continue to inspire both existing and future players.”
You will hear more about the three amazing athletes in the upcoming days!