KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Jamaica’s Sports Minister Olivia Grange has congratulated sprint icon Usain Bolt on his capture of the IAAF’s Male Athlete-of-the-Year award.

The 23-year-old Bolt collected the award in Monaco at the World Athletics Gala after another sensational season of sprinting which included World titles and record times in the 100 and 200 metres at the World Championships in Berlin last August

“I am very proud that Usain Bolt has for the second year running been named IAAF Athlete of the Year,” Grange said.

“It is a well deserved award for the fantastic Jamaican runner who lifted his own high standards, set world records, excited the world, and made every Jamaican proud during 2009.

“I am warmly congratulating Usain on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica. Well done, Usain.”

Bolt beat out some solid contenders to win the award including American sprint champion Tyson Gay, 5 000 and 10,000 metres runner Kenenisa Bekele and Norwegian javelin thrower Andreas Thorkildsen.

There was also more indirect honour for the country after the Jamaica-born Sanya Richards took home the Women’s Athlete-of-the-Year award.

“I also offer congratulations and my best wishes to the female Athlete of Year, Sanya Richards,” Grange said.