Bolt named Sportsman of the Year again

"I am always happy to win an award, knowing the hard work and dedication put in during the year," Bolt said. (Photo: sportingeagle.com)

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2010 - Jamaica's track champion Usain Bolt has been named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for the second straight time, after continuing an amazing sprinting blitz in 2009 when he won three more gold medals at the World Championships.

The top women's award went to US tennis star Serena Williams, also for the second time.

Bolt, 23, followed up on his performance at the 2008 Olympics Games with victories in the 100-metre and 200-metre at the World Championships last summer, again with World records in both races. Redefining human limits, the popular Jamaican clocked 9.58 seconds in the 100-metre and 19.19 seconds in the 200-metre and ended the season undefeated at both distances.

"I am always happy to win an award, knowing the hard work and dedication put in during the year," Bolt said. "I promise to win again next year as I look forward to an exciting Diamond League season."

Jamaica’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange, issued a statement congratulating Bolt on his accomplishment.

"This is another much deserved award for Usain,” she said. “Usain is truly an exceptional athlete who has given new energy to the sport of track and field. All of Jamaica is proud of his achievements.”

The winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards are chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy, a sports jury made up of 46 of the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen of all time.