KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce were named Jamaica’s top sporting personalities for 2013 at the RJR Foundation National Sportsman and Sportwoman awards on Friday.
Both athletes were also crowned the IAAF World Athletes of the Year last December.
Bolt copped his fifth straight Sportsman of the Year award, following his outstanding performances at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow where he won three gold medals in the 100 metres, 200 metres and the 4×100 metres relay.
“For me, this year was a wonderful year. It was hard; a lot of ups and downs, but overall it was a great season,” said Bolt.
“You guys have showed me so much love, and the energy that I have gotten this year is just continuing to grow in so many ways.”
Fraser-Pryce, who also won three gold medals in Moscow, thanked fans for their support during the year
“I would like to say thanks to the RJR Foundation and its selection committee for choosing me again this year, it’s very sweet,” she said.
“It was a hard year. It was a year that met my expectations, seeing that I worked hard. I was fully committed to the task ahead and I completed it.
“It was an effort from me that was collective; my managers, my teammates as well, my coaches and, of course, my family and my friends,” said Fraser-Pryce.
Among the other winners were netball administrator Molly Rhone, who won the prestigious Sagicor Iconic Award; veteran jockey Winston Griffiths was presented with the Chairman’s Award and schoolboy Javon Francis received the People’s Choice Performance of the Year award.