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, USA’s 24-year-old Sanya Richards was crowned the Female World Athlete of the Year 2009.
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 (RUS)
Coach of the Year
Clyde Hart (USA)
Inaugural IAAF World Journalist Award
Gustav Schwenk (GER)
