2 Jamaicans: Bolt and Richards named Athletes of the Year

2009 World Athletes of the Year, Sanya Richards and Usain Bolt (Getty Images)
Monte-Carlo – During the celebrations of the World Athletics Gala hosted by International Athletic Foundation (IAF) Honorary President HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and IAF & IAAF President Lamine Diack in the Salle des Etoiles of the Sporting Club d’Eté, Monte Carlo, on Sunday 22 November, 23-year-old Jamaican Usain Bolt and Jamaican born 24-year-old Sanya Richards (who runs for the USA) were crowned as the Male and Female World Athletes of the Year 2009.

Bolt, who again captivated the attention of the sporting world with his World 100m and 200m gold medals, earned the honour for the second consecutive year.

“It’s been an amazing season, but also a trying season,” said Bolt, who broke his own World records with stunning 9.58 and 19.19 performances at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. “To be named athlete of the year is such a great honour, it shows that all the work we put in pays off.”

Like Bolt in the shorter sprints, Richards dominated the women’s 400m, producing seven of the year’s 10 fastest performances and finally won her first World title.

“I was asked if this feeling would be the same as being World champion and it really is,” said Richards, who had previously been named World Athlete of the Year in 2006. “Considering the other athletes I was up against this year, I know this must have been a really tough decision.”

2009 World Athletics Gala Awards

Male World Athlete of the Year
Usain Bolt (JAM)

Female World Athlete of the Year
Sanya Richards (USA)

Coach of the Year
Clyde Hart (USA)

Inaugural IAAF World Journalist Award
Gustav Schwenk (GER)

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Comment by Andrea Brown on December 2, 2009 at 12:11pm: congrats mr bolt

Comment by mrs.treasury on December 1, 2009 at 11:37am: Dats weh mi chat bout. Big up Di star Dem

Comment by kimisha on November 30, 2009 at 8:11pm: BIG UP JAMAICA STR888888888888888888

Comment by shelly26 on November 30, 2009 at 4:46pm: Congrats to usain Bolt and Sanya Richard

Comment by Devon Williams on November 28, 2009 at 7:22pm: I am proud of my native country men and women. Continue the positive trend.

Comment by action on November 28, 2009 at 6:59pm: job well done bolt just keep up the good work n stay positive don't get cough up in the hype.respect to all yardie

Comment by PATHFINDER on November 27, 2009 at 11:57pm: Congrats!!!!!!!

Comment by jody smith on November 27, 2009 at 8:43pm: well deserved. congrats keep up the good work and keep representing Jamaica positively..........
to the world!

Comment by CobraFire on November 27, 2009 at 7:26pm: Congratulations to Sanya and Usain for a well deserved achievement. You have placed the Caribbean on the map.
Continue to persevere so that we will remain on top.

Comment by Mike Nice Lewis on November 27, 2009 at 4:11pm: @eSavoy Are you suggesting he get another sponsor and/or move to a 'first world' country?? I don't get that comment...he's a track athlete not a football, basketball or soccer player where he needs a team and he's sponsored by Puma who gives him whatever he needs, so can you please explain yourself. Also he has great training partners and his coaching staff has proven effective.