Usain Bolt, the World’s fastest man, and 400 metres runner Sanya Richards have won IAAF World Athlete of the Year awards for 2009.

Bolt first won the award last year after his sprint double in Beijing. He managed to retain the honour for winning the 100m and 200m finals in world record times at the World Championships in Berlin.

“It’s been an amazing year for me. I had to refocus my goals and put in a lot of hard work. I did extremely well and I’m proud of myself.” Usain Bolt.

Sanya Richards also won previously in 2006. She won her first individual major championship gold medal in Berlin this year. She also won at all six Golden League meetings in Europe to claim a share of the $1m jackpot (£605,000) offered to athletes who swept their event.

“I am so excited and overwhelmed. You work so hard to be a world champion. It’s right up there with winning the title in Berlin.” Sanya Richards.

Bolt said that his ambition for 2010 is to remain unbeaten in all his races. He is scheduled to run in 14 competitions next year. He will be racing Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell next year which will be a huge challenge for him. “A lot of people are going to watch out for the showdowns!” Bolt said.