THE world’s fastest man Usain Bolt has predictably been nominated among the candidates for the IAAF World Athlete-of-the-Year award.Despite recovering from two injury-plagued seasons, the double world record holder went on to claim three gold medals at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China.
In doing so, Bolt withstood a serious challenge from American Justin Gatlin who is not eligible for nomination.
Joining Bolt as the frontrunner on the female side is Netherlands athlete Dafne Schippers, who claimed the women’s 200m title in the fourth-fastest time ever recorded over the distance. The duo have amassed the most votes in the opening round.
A preliminary list of nine men and women from the sprints, hurdles, middle and long distance running, race walking, jumps, throws and combined events were selected between October 7 and 25.
An international panel of 10 experts will then select the finalists, three men and three women, the names of whom will be announced on November 17 and 18.
The Council of the International Athletics Foundation (IAAF) will then select the male and female World Athletes-of-the-Year. (Sportsmax.com)