Kingston, Jamaica - World 100m record holder Asafa Powell and World 100m champion Veronica Campbell-Brown were named Jamaica's Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year on Tuesday night (29).

Powell, who lowered his record mark from 9.77 to an amazing 9.74 seconds in Reiti, Italy last September, beat Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association's (JAAA) top-man Maurice Smith, the Decathlon silver medallist in Osaka.

"I am happy to get this award for the second year in a row," was Powell's first reaction after the function, which was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

The 25-year-old sprinter was also bronze medal winner in the 100m in Osaka, finishing behind American World champion Tyson Gay and Bahamian Derrick Atkins. He, however, was instrumental in Jamaica sprint relay team's silver-medal winning effort after collecting the baton in fifth. The team blazed to a national record 37.89 seconds behind USA (37.78).

Powell stopped short by saying he was surprised to win the award over Smith, who became the first Jamaican to win a Decathlon medal at the World Championships. Smith also won the Pan Am Games gold in his event.

"This time it was more challenging, especially with the performance for Smith," he added while saying thanks to the organisers for recognising him.

Meanwhile, Veronica Campbell-Brown, the World 100 metres champion and 200 meters silver medallist, took the Sportswoman crown for the second time in three years. She won the World Championships 100m title in 11.01 and finished second in the 200m in a season best 22.34, then helped Jamaica to a close second in the women's sprint relay.

"It's an honour and always great when you know you put in all the hard work be rewarded," Campbell said.

In giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the athletes, Smith, who congratulated all the awardees, predicted another good year for Jamaica.

Anthony Foster for the IAAF