Not able to attend in person owing to competition participation commitments, Prudence Sekgodiso was the big winner at the 20th gsport Awards, the track star ran away with the 2025 Athlete of the Year Award to cap off what has been a sensational year around the world.
Sekgodiso demonstrated that hard work leads to success, breaking national records and becoming the Indoor 800m World Champion, and her consistent performances this season resulted in multiple victories and podium finishes.
Owing to her Diamond League and World Athletics Championships athletic commitments, Sekgodiso was unable to attend the annual Awards in person, and no less a star than former 800m world champion, Caster Semenya, stepped up to accept the Award on her behalf.
“She is a great athlete, she’s talented.”
Caster Semenya lauded 2025 Athlete of the Year, Prudence Sekgodiso
“She just needs to work hard,” Semenya urged the international star. “I think you just need to understand what consistency means; she must always keep her mind on that and deliver performances.”
Sekgodiso has excelled on the Olympic stage, became the first South African woman to claim the World Indoor title, and has secured key Diamond League points this season. She continues to build on these achievements as she prepares for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from 13 to 21 September, 2025.
Semenya expressed pride in Sekgodiso’s accomplishments and encouraged her to maintain consistency as she aims to remain at the top.
“Obviously, we are supporting you; you know what you have, so for me, as someone who has run the 800m, that is the key component when it comes to success. Be patient, work hard, and focus on what works for you.”
Semenya who has been a leading figure in the 800m discipline says she is now handing over the baton to the next generation who is now Sekgodiso.
“It’s important for me to acknowledge when someone else is doing well. I want to give her my blessings and say, ‘Look, you have done well! You remind me of my younger self; I wish you the heart and courage to make sure that every Championship you run in, you have our support.’ She has done so well.”
A glittering cast of Finalists and, Southern African Women in Sport notables and treasured guests marked the milestone 20th edition of the gsport Awards, and Semenya has played a significant role in gsport’s journey.
Semenya, who’s wife Violet was a Finalist in the 2025 Coach of the Year Award, and who was honoured by DM Peace Mabe as a Ministerial Recognition of Excellence winner, reflected on gsport’s impact in driving cultural change and promoting inclusivity in sport: “It’s more about changing women’s lives, making sure women understand the importance of supporting one another, and the importance of making sure we put women first.”
“Making sure that women are embraced, celebrated, supported, and loved. There are women looking up to you, looking after you, and making sure you are recognised in everything that you do.”
Award Winners at the 2025 gsport Awards on Saturday, 30 August, 2025
Athlete of the Year – Prudence Sekgodiso
Telkom Woman of the Year – Akhona Poswayo
Inverroche Global Woman in Sport – Aimee Barrett-Theron
Brand South Africa Para Sport Star of the Year – Kgothatso Montjane
Emerging Athlete of the Year – Karabo More
School Sports Star of the Year Award – Rethabile Molefe
African Woman in Sport – Monica Mkandla
Red Cherry Interactive Woman in PR and Sponsorship – Bronwyn Roets
SABC Woman in Radio – Rachel Makhura
SABC Woman in TV – Gloria Brown
Gallo Images Woman in Print – Mpumi Manyisi
Endeavour AV Woman in Social Media – Potso Aphane
Coach of the Year – Dillion du Preez
G100 Special Recognition Award – Robin de Kock
Style of the Year – Zanele Potelwa
Supporter of the Year – Madeleine Khunou
Nielsen Sports SA Team of the Year – Proteas Women
Volunteer of the Year – Kagiso Musi
Federation in the Year – Cricket South Africa
Worldwide Sports Sponsor of the Year – FNB
Public Choice – Thalea Smidt
2025 Hall of Fame Inductee – Cynthia Tshaka
2025 Ministerial Recognition of Excellence Award Winners
Bonita van Jaarsveld
Brenda Marolen
Tasha Mentasti
Tezna Abrahams
Violet Semenya
Main Photo Caption: South Africa’s 800m star Prudence Sekgodiso was crowned the 2025 Athlete of the Year at the gsport Awards, walking away with the top prize thanks to a sensational year where she broke records and became the first South African Indoor 800m World Champion, at the Wanderers Club in Illovo, Johannesburg, on Saturday, 30 August, 2025. Photo: File
Photo 2 Caption: Former 800m world champion Caster Semenya lauded the 2025 gsport Athlete of the Year, Prudence Sekgodiso, who could not attend due to professional commitments. Photo: Sachin du Plooy Naran
Photo 3 Caption: The 20th annual gsport Awards was hosted by the gsport Trust at the Wanderers Club in Illovo, Johannesburg. Photo: Sachin du Plooy Naran
