The Nominees
The Year In Sport 2023 Awards recognize the athletes and clubs on Strava who stood out from the crowd. Across 12 different categories, the Awards celebrate all aspects of the Strava community, from professional athletes to the local legends.
Strava’s Athlete of the Year
Excellence, determination, consistency – this athlete’s outstanding performances make them a source of inspiration for the entire active community.
Ride
Sam Ruddock
Since turning his attention to track cycling, Paralympian Sam Ruddock has earned a formidable reputation across multiple distances. He underlined this at the 2023 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships where he won Gold in the 1km time trial C1.
Ride
Demi Vollering
Demi Vollering enjoyed a stellar 2023 with SD Worx, winning the three Ardennes Classics before going on to take the top spot in the General Classification at the 2023 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
Run
Cal Calamia
Cal Calamia broke new ground in 2023, becoming the first trans athlete to receive a Therapeutic Use Exemption to compete in male, nonbinary & open categories at USA Track & Field events. In November they won the non-binary division of the NYC Marathon.
Run
Jim Walmsley
A mainstay on the ultra-trail calendar, in 2023 Jim Walmsley added yet another win to his impressive resume, becoming the first American man to win the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB).
Strava’s Best Follow of the Year
When it comes to which athletes you love to follow, it’s okay to play favorites. This is the athlete whose content you just can’t get enough of.
Run
Hellah Sidibe
Ignore the fact that Hellah Sidibe produces inspiring and educational content on a daily basis. Rather, focus on a run streak going back SIX YEARS. Hellah regularly invites his community to join him on a running journey that is unmatched on Strava.
Run
Lisa Migliorini
Lisa Migliorini, a.k.a TheFashionJogger, has grown a devoted community of followers on both Strava and Instagram. The fashion jogger brings a unique mix of positivity and performance to Strava, tracking all of her activities on the platform.
Run
Kayla Jeter
Championing the mindset of being 1% better every day, Kayla Jeter is founder of the global running community #100MilesOfSummer. Kayla spearheads running & fitness initiatives within Chicago's South Side with the goal of making wellness available to all.
Multi-sport
Average Rob
Ignore the moniker, there's nothing average about Rob. The Belgian influencer, who has built a significant following across numerous social platforms, combines swim-bike-run training with DJ-ing... and sharing his active life across multiple platforms.
Strava’s Trailblazer of the Year
This athlete is changing the game. They’ve broken down barriers for others – empowering and motivating their community to move in meaningful ways.
Ride
Teniel Campbell
Trinidad and Tobago's Teniel Campbell opened the door for Black female riders around the world in 2023 when she became the first black woman to complete the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
Run
Latoya Snell
Chef, Writer, and mother, Latoya Shauntay Snell is also an inspiring athlete. The American uses her blog and Strava to tell her unique story as a queer, African American, plus-size, multi-sport athlete.
Multi-Sport
Charlie Martin
From racing cars to paddleboarding, Charlie Martin has forged a formidable reputation on Strava - and across a variety of sports. The first trans-woman driver affiliated to Formula E, Charlie is breaking barriers across multiple activity types.
Run
Adrienne LDN
Podcaster Adrienne Adhami uses her platform to inspire people to pursue their passions and achieve success. The Londoner is more than 'just' a broadcaster, she inspires Strava users with regular uploads of her active life.
Strava’s Crown Collector of the Year
Heavy is the head that wears this many crowns! This person collected more segment records than could fit even on a digital shelf, alongside other achievements this year.
Ride
Sepp Kuss
Jumbo-Visma rider Sepp Kuss got the world's attention at the 2023 Vuelta a España when he took the win despite the form of his decorated teammates. The American also happens to have taken more KOMs (815) than any other professional male in 2023.
Ride
Illi Gardner
Illi Gardner's bio on her Strava profile says it all: 'Love climbing!' The Cardiff resident has amassed no fewer than 2,749 QOMs in 2023 - more than any other male or female athlete on Strava. She really does love climbing!
Ride
Annemiek Van Vleuten
An Olympic Champion, Tour de France Femmes Champion, and World Champion - Annemiek Van Vlueten is, quite simply, a legend. She is also the undisputed QOM amongst the pro women for 2023, bagging 757 segments in the year.
Mountaineering
Jack Kuenzle
What's that? A non-cyclist on this list?! If you haven't heard of Jack Kuenzle - a.k.a the FKT hunter - we need to change that. Kuenzle recorded four FKTs in 2023, most notably becoming the fastest person to summit Denali back in June.
Strava’s Activity of the Year
This activity will make your jaw drop. This athlete has outdone their usual efforts to share an epic moment that redefines what an activity can be.
Ride
Leo Pedalando Pelo Mundo
When Leo Pedalando Pelo Mundo sets off for a ride, he does it in style. In 2023, the Brazilian broke the Pan-American record crossing the Americas by bike - he left Alaska on May 30 and 95 days later was standing on the coast of Tierra del Fuego.
Trail Run
Hillary Gerardi
She's a skyracer, trail runner... and now the owner of a new female FKT on Mont Blanc. Gerardi's Mont Blanc FKT was years in the making, and may never be repeated due to changes in snow conditions and the glacier melt on Western Europe's highest mountain.
Surfing
Nathan Florence
Normally found somewhere in the ocean big wave hunting, Nathan Florence embarked on a remarkable surf marathon this August. Florence covered over 31 miles / 50km during a 7hr 40min surf session in the Namibian desert - and caught plenty of great waves!
Run
Susie Chan
When endurance runner Susie Chan crossed the Badwater finish line, she became the first European woman to have completed the three major races in the series. Add in marathons through 2023, and Susie's Training Log boasts multiple big activities this year.
Strava’s Endurance Athlete of the Year
Behind every streak is an inspiring story. By consistently hitting “Record,” this athlete has raised awareness for a meaningful cause and empowered their community to join.
Trail Run
Kilian Jornet Burgada
Injury ruled Kilian Jornet out of UTMB in 2023, but it didn't stop him tackling another almighty challenge. Over the course of eight days and 485km the Spaniard hiked, ran and climbed more than 177 mountains to retrace the mountains trails of his youth.
Run
Hugo Farias
For many, a single marathon in a year is plenty enough. Brazilian Hugo Farias captured the imagination of his nation - and inspired them to move - when he completed 365 marathons over 365 days - yeah, that's one marathon per day.
Run
Savannah Sachdev
For some, an endurance challenge is a single, extreme event. For Sav Sachdev, it is a cumulative pursuit. The Londoner has amassed an almighty run streak, having just reached her 900th day of running (and counting) - all logged on Strava.
Run
Deo Kato
On July 24 Deo Kato laced up his running shoes in Cape Town, South Africa. He's still going. The Ugandan-born, British runner is attempting to become the first person to run from Cape Town to London, shining a spotlight on the History of Human Migration.
Strava’s Artist of the Year
This athlete uses each activity as a canvas to express themselves. Their creativity is turning the Strava feed into a work of art – one effort at a time.
Run
Jeric Yuen
Setting out to run a marathon is challenging enough, plotting a course to make that marathon look like a dragon is something else. Jeric Yuen did just that back in April to help raise funds for people with paralysis to be able to live an active life again.
Ride
Frédéric & Mathilde de Lanouvelle
Most people celebrate a 16th birthday with a party. Not Frédéric de Lanouvelle and his daughter, Mathilde. The pair set off on a tandem ride around France, covering 1,343 miles and setting a world record for the "largest GPS drawing by bicycle (team)".
Run
Lenny Maughan
Street artist. Lineographer. Pareidoliac. Human Etch-A-Sketch. Whatever title we give Lenny Maughan, one thing is for sure: the American is a talented Strava artist, with over 20 pieces of Strava art uploaded to the platform this year alone.
Ride
Tim Lewin
Riding the streets of London is a challenge in itself. Doing so in a bid to create a giant giraffe is, well, something else. But, Tim Lewin has made this task look entirely simple. The Brit frequently uses London as a canvas for his Strava art creations.
Strava’s Team of the Year
This professional team had a banner year in 2023. They accomplished the unthinkable and made magic happen – together.
Ride
AG2R CITROËN TEAM
While Team AG2R may not have enjoyed the best results in their history in 2023, one thing is for sure: they inspired regardless. One of the most active clubs on Strava, you can follow the team through their highs and lows as they prepare for 2024.
Ride
Team Cofidis
2023 represented something of a rebirth for Equipe Confidis. The French team broke a 15-year drought in the Tour de France, as Victor Lafay and Ion Izagirre took stage wins. Meanwhile, the women's team continued to build on their success throughout 2023.
Ride
L39ION
Founded by brothers Justin and Cory Williams, L39ION is a US-based cycling team with the goal of increasing diversity and inclusion in cycling. Competing at the UCI Continental Level, it is a team to keep an eye on in the years to come.
Ride
Team Jumbo-Visma
What a year for Team Jumbo-Visma. There were so many headlines for the men's team, but becoming the first team to win all three Grand Tours in a single year is unprecedented. Added to that was the formation of a women's team that looks set-up to dominate.
Strava’s Most Active Club of the Year
Workouts are better with company. This club motivated its members to record the most activities together and soar to new heights of camaraderie.
Hike
Rando Fragile
Not everyone has access to trails and trail sports. This is something that the members of Rando Fragile are attempting to address. The French club is inspiring people to return to nature by facilitating access for all.
Run
APEX Friendship HS XC
Based in North Carolina, the Apex XC Team is a High School Cross Country team competing throughout the state. Members of the team track their training progress on the platform, bringing a new generation of athletes to Strava.
Ride
Kings / Queens Rule Together
With a mission to promote a fun, healthy lifestyle while bringing diversity to the sport of cycling, Kings Rule Together / Queens Rule Together has enjoyed rapid growth through 2023 and now boasts an international membership.
Ride
Bahati Foundation Cycling Club
Founded on the notion that every young person regardless of their background deserves equal access to sport opportunities, the Bahati Foundation Cycling Club encourages donations to raise funds and awareness, with regular Events for the community
Strava’s Strive for More™️ Award
This award honors the club that made a significant impact in the pursuit of improving gender equity in sport and getting more women to their own start lines.
Run
Black Girls Run
Black Girls Run (BGR) has become a movement in the US, encouraging and motivating Black women to both get active, and to prioritize a healthy lifestyle. Since 2009, Black Girls Run has grown to more than 70 local chapters across the US.
Run
Latinas Run
Founded in 2016, Latinas Run was created as a safe space for Latinas to connect and inspire each other through running & other fitness activities. With chapters across the US, Latinas Run is fostering dialogue and improving the health of local communities
Ride
Black Girls Do Bike
Black Girls Do Bike (BGDB) is a supportive community of women of color who share a passion for cycling. The Club has worked to establish a safe space where female cyclists can support, advise, organize meet-ups and promote skill-sharing across the US.
Strava’s Most Fun Club of the Year
Getting active is better when it’s fun. This award honors the club that made the laughs count just as much as the miles and gave us all FOMO.
Multi-Sport
PWDRS
Founded in Dallas, the PWDRS Club is working to encourage positive connections around community activities. The nutrition brand has built a thriving Club where members regularly upload their activities and support one another in their accomplishments.
Hike
Dr. Alex’s Stomp Club
Founded by Dr. Alex, the Stomp Club is your Club for daily walking inspiration that promotes positive mental health. The Community regularly shares their walks, photos and benefits they get from taking these steps everyday - keeping one another inspired.
Run
Sad Girls Track Club
Sad Girl Track Club is more than just a club, and it's not just for girls. Founded on raccoon memes, SGTC is a collective that looks at the lighter side running. It’s a place where it's safe to share that bad days are okay and sadness can be normal.
Multi-Sport
Water
Water is not only our most precious resource, it's also a Club that is loved by thousands of Strava users. Whether it's melted, frozen, drinkable or even just pretty, members of Water love sharing the substance in all its glory with fellow members.
Strava’s Event of the Year
In 2023, this outstanding event had stellar competition, unbelievable performances plus tons of kudos. And of course you could track it all on Strava.
Ride
Tour De France Femmes
Into its second year, the Tour de France Femmes plays a unique role in developing professional women's cycling. Part of the UCI Women's World Tour, the Tour de France Femmes has already had a profound impact on raising the interest in women's cycling.
Run
TCS New York City Marathon
The TCS New York City Marathon comes to life on Strava, with its vibrant and active community supporting one another in the lead-up to - and during - the event. Activated by the New York Road Runners, the Club engages and inspires the Strava community.
Ride
SBT GRVL
With world-class gravel cycling events from Finland to Australia, SBT GRVL is one of a network of events that organizes and motivates the gravel community. Through route planning, advice, and inspiration, the GRVL network is an essential Strava follow.
Run
Black to the Trails
Black Trail Runners is a community & campaigning charity that seeks to increase the inclusion and representation of Black people in trail running. Their headline event, Black to the Trails, is the first ever Black owned & led trail race to happen in the UK