Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage has been nominated for the 2026 World Athlete of the Year award, in recognition of his outstanding performances in the international athletics arena.
Rumesh Tharanga is among the ten nominees announced by World Athletics ahead of the World Athletics Awards ceremony scheduled to be held in Monaco on November 29. During the 2026 season, Rumesh Tharanga succeeded in winning gold medals in the javelin throw at all major competitions, including the Ultimate Championship, Diamond League, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
Furthermore, Rumesh Tharanga set a new national record of 92.62 meters, marking the best performance globally to date. Notably, he secured victory in 13 out of the 14 competitions he participated in during the season.
Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage makes history as the first Sri Lankan athlete to be nominated for a World Athletics award.