In the prestigious 69th edition of Macedonia’s Best Athlete Awards, kickboxer Boban Ilioski and bodybuilding world champion Meri Akievska claimed top honors for 2023. Ilioski, securing gold at the World Championship, and Akievska, a three-time world titleholder in bodybuilding, received the coveted statuettes at a grand ceremony.

Recognitions extended beyond these individuals. Karate player Vitomir Trajkovski emerged as the standout young athlete, while taekwondo player Milijana Reljic earned acclaim as the best young athlete.

Acknowledging team accomplishments, Macedonia’s senior national women’s selection clinched the title for the most successful women’s team, while the men’s volleyball senior national team secured the equivalent recognition.

In coaching excellence, Dejan Mitrovski, renowned in kickboxing and mai tai, was lauded as the most successful coach-selector. Meanwhile, the Volleyball Federation of Macedonia, co-hosts of the European Championship, claimed the distinction of the most successful national sports federation.

Highlighting inclusivity in sports, swimmer Andrej Stojanovski was rightfully honored as the most successful athlete with a disability. These accolades reflect the diverse and remarkable achievements across various sporting disciplines within Macedonia’s athletic community.