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Bolt, Fraser-Pryce aiming at more success this year

Newly crowned RJR Sports Foundation National Sportsman and Sportswoman of 2015, Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, say winning the prestigious title means a lot to them, adding they will be looking to represent Jamaica well, and seek more global success this year.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Usain Bolt, winners of the RJR National Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year titles for 2015

The RJR Sports Foundation's annual awards ceremony was held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel last Friday night.

Bolt won his sixth Sportsman of the Year award, after copping titles in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013, while Fraser-Pryce, who also won in 2012 and 2013, lifted her third Sportswoman of the Year title.

Last year, Bolt returned from an injury-plagued start to the season to dominate the men's sprints at the IAAF World Championships. He won gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m in Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium where he had previously set world records in the 100 and 200 metres.

"Six-time athlete of the year in Jamaica is always an honour," Bolt told reporters.

Pushing myself

He pointed out that he is looking forward to a stress-free year, but was mindful of the demands ahead.

"It's just about trying to stay focused this year and staying on top of things and making sure everything runs smoothly ... pushing myself, but also being aware of everything that is going on around me," he added.

Meanwhile, Fraser-Pryce, the three-time Sportswoman of the Year, also received the Sagicor Iconic Award at the function.

The MVP Track Club star won gold medals in the 100m and 4x100m at last year's World Championships in Beijing, China, as well as copping the Diamond League 100m title.

"I am feeling blessed and I am feeling honoured," she said.

"For me winning an award is a signal that you did something right in 2015, and I am really honoured and blessed and grateful to be able to collect a third Sportswoman of the Year Award here," Fraser-Pryce said.

Personal best

She added: "I am looking forward to an exciting 2016."

Shot-putter O'Dayne Richards, who twice hit a national record - 21.69m - on his way to winning Pan American gold and a historic World Championships bronze, was presented with the runner-up to the Sportsman of the Year Award.

World Championships 100m hurdles gold-medal winner Danielle Williams who clocked a personal best 12.57 for gold in the event in Beijing last summer was runner-up to the Sportswoman of the Year.

The People's Choice Award for Performance of the Year went to Jamaica's senior women's 4x400m relay team.

Novlene Williams-Mills, who anchored Jamaica to the gold medal in the World Championships 4x400m and who has successfully fought off breast cancer, was recognised with the Chairman's Award.

Former Netball Jamaica president Marva Bernard was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

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