In 1999, the World Athletics Awards recognized two outstanding individuals as their Athletes of the Year, distinguishing between male and female categories.
1999 World Athletics Athletes of the Year
The prestigious awards for 1999 went to:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Men's Athlete of the Year | Michael Johnson |
| Women's Athlete of the Year | Gabriela Szabo |
Michael Johnson earned his second such distinction in 1999, while Gabriela Szabo was recognized as the top female athlete for her exceptional performance that year.
Historical Context of World Athletics Awards
The World Athletics Awards annually celebrate the premier athletes in track and field, with winners selected based on their achievements throughout the season. Here's a glimpse at some of the award recipients around 1999:
| Year | Men's Athlete of the Year | Women's Athlete of the Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Michael Johnson | Gabriela Szabo |
| 2000 | Jan Železný | Marion Jones |
| 2001 | Hicham El Guerrouj | Stacy Dragila |
| 2002 | Hicham El Guerrouj | Paula Radcliffe |
