Neringa Jakstiene, W61, USA

Neringa’s journey back to athletics began with a simple conversation. A friend told her that, despite being away from competition for decades, she could still compete—at the young age of 51. A few years later, she discovered USA Track & Field and WMA, and in 2018, she took a bold step by entering her first USATF and WMA Championships.

At 54, she registered for the heptathlon at her first World Masters Championship—without ever having competed in the event before. To her surprise, she not only secured gold in the triple jump but also stunned herself by winning the heptathlon, which she had entered merely as training for her future age group.

Then came 2019—a year that cemented her place among the world’s best. She shattered WMA records nearly every time she competed, finishing the year holding an astonishing seven WMA records and earning her first WMA Best Athlete honor.

Even in 2024, battling injuries for much of the year, Neringa’s resilience and determination never wavered. She defied the odds, setting six WMA records, including the high jump—despite not having a coach—and claimed five gold medals at the World Masters Championships.

Her journey is nothing short of extraordinary, proving that athletics is not just for the young—it’s a lifelong pursuit. Neringa takes great joy in inspiring both the young and the young at heart, showing that with passion and perseverance, greatness knows no age.

Willi Klaus, M86, GER

Willi’s journey into athletics began 46 years ago with a beer-fueled bet that he could finish the famous Marathon-Rennsteiglauf with just three months of training—and, of course, he won! At 59, he transitioned to middle-distance running and quickly earned top finishes in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m at EMA and WMA Championships.

Then, 21 years ago, another bet—if he could learn the pole vault in just four weeks and clear 2 meters, he would commit to the decathlon. Again, he crushed it but surprised himself by going 2.2 meters in his first training session. His achievements culminated last year when he set a WMA Indoor Pentathlon record, won the World Decathlon Championship despite scoring zero in the javelin, and then shattered the WMA Decathlon record in redemption.

Tomorrow, Willi will compete in his final international event, as he has resolutely decided to step away from the global stage. It would be fitting for him to become World Champion one more time. He has said that winning this award is the greatest recognition he could ever imagine—and we are deeply honored to present it to him.