RJR AWARDS: Fraser-Pryce, Bolt named Sportswoman and Sportsman for 2015
KINGSTON, Jamaica – There were no surprises as World and Olympic champions Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce were named National Sportsman and Woman of the Year 2015 at the RJR Sports Foundation annual gala awards ceremony at Jamaica Pegasus on Friday.
Fraser-Pryce took the award for her performance in winning the 100m title at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China.
The ‘Pocket Rocket’ ran a brilliant 10.76 seconds and was strutting away with the world title for the third time after previous triumphs in 2009 and 2013. It was also her fifth title in the last six major championships, including the Olympics.
She also anchored thewomen’s 4×100-m relay team to victory in a championship record of 41.07 seconds.
Meanwhile, Bolt won the award for his achievement in taking three gold medals at the Beijing World Championships. Bolt won the 100m, 200m and the 4x100m events, making it the third time he had taken the triple gold at the Championships.
Bolt’s triumphs made him the all-time most decorated male athlete of the Championships with 13 medals – 11 gold and two silver.
Both athletes in their speeches thanked family, friends, fans, and coaches for their support throughout the year.
Danielle Williams and O’Dayne Richards were named runners-up in the Sportswoman and Sportsman categories, respectively.
Sherdon Cowan