Bolt named World Athlete of the Year

Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt at the IAAF centenary celebrations, in Barcelona on Friday.

Usain Bolt has won the IAAF World Athlete of the Year award for the fourth time over United States hurdler Aries Merritt and Kenyan runner David Rudisha.

The Jamaican sprinter, who defended his 100 and 200 meter gold medals at this summer’s Olympic Games, had previously won the award in 2008, 2009, and 2011.

United States sprinter Allyson Felix won the women’s World Athlete of the Year award. The other finalists were Valerie Adams and Jessica Ennis.

The awards were announced on the final day of the IAAF’s 100th anniversary celebration.