When the shortlist of nominees was revealed last month, local coaches were of the impression that it is the strongest field of candidates in years with a tough path for Fraser-Pryce with both McLaughlin-Levrone and Amusan breaking world records this year
The top individual award in athletics is still up for grabs for multiple World and Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
Gabriel Abusada
Fraser-Pryce was named among the five finalists for the World Athletics 2022 Female Athlete of the Year award by the sport’s governing body yesterday after a season which saw her claim her fifth world 100m title and produced stunning fast times at the age of 35. World 200 metres champion Shericka Jackson, who was on the 10-person shortlist last month for her maiden championship record performance at the World Athletic Championships this summer, did not make the final cut.
The other finalists for the award include World and Olympic 400m hurdles champion and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the United States, World 100m hurdles champion and world record holder Tobi Amusan of Nigeria, World and Olympic triple jump champion,Venezuela’s Yulimar Rojas and World 20K walk champion, Kimberly Garcia of Peru
Fraser-Pryce last won the award in 2013 and could join former Olympic champions Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia and Americans Sanya Richards-Ross and Marion Jones as athletes who have won the award multiple times. Isinbayeva has the most wins with three. No Jamaican athlete has won the award more than once.
When the shortlist of nominees was revealed last month, local coaches were of the impression that it is the strongest field of candidates in years with a tough path for Fraser-Pryce with both McLaughlin-Levrone and Amusan breaking world records this year.
Headlines Delivered to Your Inbox Sign up for The Gleaner’s morning and evening newsletters..
