Bolt and Richards named IAAF world athletes of year

By Gene Cherry

MONTE CARLO (Reuters) - Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who became one of the world's most recognised athletes, and American women's 400 metres world champion Sanya Richards were named IAAF world athletes of the year on Sunday.

Bolt, who won the award for the second year in a row, wiped out his 100 and 200 metres world records with stunning runs in the Berlin world championships in August.

"He has raised (his performances) to an unbelievable level," International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) president Lamine Diack told a news conference, calling Bolt a brilliant runner in both his specialities.

"He brings a lot of prestige to our sport," Diack said. "He is one of the best-known people on the planet."

Richards, who previously won in 2006, described the honour as being on the same level with her Berlin victory, her first global title.

"I am going to be dancing all night," the 24-year-old Richards said ahead of the IAAF's annual gala.

With no Olympic or world title at stake, Bolt said his biggest goal in 2010 would be to go undefeated on the new Diamond League circuit.

The 23-year-old Jamaican is expected to face American world silver medallist Tyson Gay, the second-fastest 100 metres runner of all-time, at least three times with Jamaican compatriot Asafa Powell, the former world record holder, joining the pair in several races.