Usain Bolt Edges Yohan Blake For 'Athlete Of The Year'

Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt amassed more points to defeat training partner Yohan Blake to be voted the World Athlete of the Year 2011 by readers of the results and news bulletin Athletics International.

Bolt achieved 422 points ahead of Kenyan David Rudisha, 390, and Blake 361, at the International Athletics Foundation Grand Gala, which was held at the Salle des Etoiles in Monaco.

Previously named “Athlete of the Year” by the IAAF in both 2008 and 2009, this year’s triumph ties the record for the most times a single athlete has received this honor.

Reflecting on the year and his latest achievement, Bolt shared, “There were some really close races. I really had to push myself – there were some ups and downs throughout the season. For me this one [award] means a lot.”

In women poll, Australian Sally Pearson got 470 points ahead of Kenyan Vivian Cheruiyot, 444, and Australian Valerie Adams, 326.