Olympians Bolt, Isinbayeva Named International Athletes of the Year

The International Sports Press Association, which is made up of sports jounalists from 96 nations, chose their picks for International Athletes of the Year last week. The winners were sprinter Usain Bolt of Jamaica (who edged out swimming sensation, Michael Phelps by a narrow margin) and Olympic pole vault champion, Yelena Isinbayeva.

Bolt wowed Olympic viewers last summer in Beijing with his easy victories in the 100m and 200m events. He also helped the Jamaica relay team earn Gold in the 400m relay.

Isinbayeva, who is Russian, successfully defended her Gold Medal in the women’s pole vault event. She also set a slew of world records in 2008 and was undefeated for the year.

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