Bolt, Pearson named World Athletes of the Year

Jamaicas Usain Bolt and Australias Sally Pearson were named the Male and Female World Athletes of the Year for 2011 by IAAF President Lamine Diack on Saturday.Bolt, who won the award for the third time, and Pearson, a first-time nominee and winner, received trophies and US$100,000 prizes officially at the 2011 World Athletics Gala, held at the Salle des Etoiles of the Sporting Club dEt. The event was hosted by International Athletic Foundation Honorary President HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and IAF & IAAF President Lamine Diack, who each presented the awards.Bolt, 25, successfully defended his title in the 200m at the World Championships in Daegu clocking 19.40, the second fastest performance of the year. He concluded the Championships by anchoring a Jamaican quartet to a 37.04 world record in the 4x100m relay and ended the season undefeated in four 200m races. He was also the 2011 world leader in the 100m at 9.76, and won five of his six races over the distance.Pearson, also 25, dominated the womens 100m hurdles this year, winning 10 of her 11 competitions while producing seven of the seasons quickest 11 performances. The highlight was her sensational 12.28 clocking to take the world title, making her the fourth fastest woman in history with the fastest performance in nearly two decades."This season was a really trying season for me. I really had to work hard and stand up my game," said Bolt, who was also named Athlete of the Year in 2008 and 2009."There were some close races this season. I really had to push myself. So this (award) really means a whole lot to me. Because I really came out there hard this year, and all the hard work I put in paid off."
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