MOSCOW, November 24 (R-Sport) – Track stars Usain Bolt and Allyson Felix were named world athletes of the year by the IAAF on Saturday.
The Jamaican sprinter claimed the accolade for the fourth time after winning in 2008, 2009 and 2011, while Felix is a first-time winner.
The 26-year-old Bolt, who retained both sprint titles at the 2012 Olympic Games in London as well as winning gold in the 4x100 meters relay, was chosen over Kenyan middle distance runner David Rudisha and U.S. hurdler Aries Merritt, who made the three-strong shortlist earlier this month.
Felix, 27, claimed gold in the women’s 200 meters, 4x100 meters relay and 4x400 meters relay in London, and won the award over New Zealand short putter Valerie Adams and British heptathlon star Jessica Ennis.
The winners were announced in Barcelona on the final day of the IAAF's 100th anniversary celebration.
