Dr Usain St Leo Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as expected, walked away with the RJR Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards, while the iron-willed Novlene Williams-Mills copped the Chairman’s Award at a glittering ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Friday night.

Bolt, who won triple gold at the World Championships in Beijing, China, won his sixth Sportsman of the Year Award having done so in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015. He won ahead of shot-putter O’Dayne Richards.

“This season was probably one of the roughest seasons and I want to apologise to all my fans for stressing you out this season,” said Bolt, as the packed ballroom erupted into laughter.

“Often you guys see me in the streets and said I can’t deal with it, I cannot deal with it so I wanted to say sorry about that,” he noted.

“I want to thank my fans for supporting me this season, I really needed it. I want to thank my management team, Norman Peart and best friend Nugent Walker,” he added.

The world’s greatest sprinter also had high praises for his coach Glen Mills. “I want to thank my coach, I know he is watching… I put him through a lot of stress, sorry about that,” said the pin-up boy of global track athletics.

He continued: “I want to thank God because without him nothing would be possible. I promise you guys I will try to do my best this season and try to make it as smooth as possible. Thanks for everything and thanks for the support,” said Bolt.

Fraser-Pryce — who struck double-gold at the World Championships and was the Diamond League 100m winner — won her third Sportswoman of the Year award following successes in 2012 and 2013 ahead of 100m hurdles champion Danielle Williams.

“I am really honoured and humbled to be here a third time to collect this award. I believe that all the nominees are winners,” said Fraser-Pryce.

Although she said she didn’t want to name anyone, Fraser-Pryce had high praises for Sherone Simpson, whom she said did well amidst adversity.

“She came back and won at the Pan Am Championships (and that) was just really amazing,” she noted.

“I want to thank my coach for putting up with me and me putting up with him. I want to thank him for just his hard work and commitment and just his love for the sport and always trying to do new things,” Fraser-Pryce added.

The ‘Pocket Rocket’ also won the Sagicor Iconic Award for her consistent and sustained performances at the global level over a sustained period of time.

Meanwhile, the World Championships, gold medal winning 4x400m women’s team of Christine Day, Shericka Jackson, Stephenie Ann McPherson and Novlene Williams-Mills, won the People’s Choice Performance of the Year Award, a decision made by online voters.

Williams-Mills, who brought the house down with a splendid anchor leg of 49.14 seconds, the second-fastest split, helped propel Jamaica to victory over the Americans as she reeled in Francena McCorory for a fanstastic win.

“I don’t know what is so special about that race that everybody seems to be going crazy every time it’s played. But for the people to recognise that race to win the People’s Choice Award, it feels fanstastic,” said Williams-Mills.

She also picked up the Chairman’s Award for her courageous performance in her battle and consequent victory over cancer.

Netball aficionado Marva Bernard was presented with the Special Lifetime Achievement Award for her long and tremendous service to the sport.

In-between, the large gathering was treated to a wonderful performance by songbird Marcia Griffiths as she rolled back the years with hit after hit.