Monte Carlo - The world’s most outstanding athletes – past and present – are now arriving in Monte-Carlo, in anticipation of the World Athletics Gala 2002 this coming Sunday night, which marks the climax of celebrations for the IAAF’s 90th birthday.

As well as the coveted World Athlete of the Year titles, whose winners will be announced live on stage at the Sporting Club during the televised part of the Gala on Sunday night, more than 600 guests will congratulate recipients of the Rising Star Award (for the most impressive Juniors of 2002) and the new Primo Nebiolo Lifetime Achievement award (in recognition of long and extraordinary service to international athletics).

The World Athletics Gala, hosted by HSH Prince Albert of Monaco and the President of the IAAF Lamine Diack, is also a glamorous night out, with a top class TV show produced with the support of the EBU, and live entertainment from Youssou n’Dour. A native of Dakar, n’Dour made his first appearance on stage at the age of 12. Since then, he has become recognized as one of the most dynamic and distinctive vocalists to have emerged from Africa. Although rooted in the traditional music of his homeland, N'Dour has consistently sought new means of expression. In addition to recording as a soloist, N'Dour has collaborated with a lengthy list of influential artists including Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Neneh Cherry, and Branford Marsalis.

The World Athletics Gala 2002 is promoted by the International Athletic Foundation in cooperation with EBU, the Compagnie Monegasque de Banque and MONDO.

Nominees for the 2002 Athletes of the Year Award

Women

Berhane Adere ETH  
Süreyya Ayhan TUR  
Kajsa Bergqvist SWE   
Gail Devers USA   
Svetlana Feofanova RUS  
Debbie Ferguson BAH  
Ana Guevara MEX 
Marion Jones USA  
Maria Mutola MOZ   
Paula Radcliffe GBR  

Men

Jonathan Edwards GBR 
Hicham El Guerrouj MAR
Robert Fazekas HUN 
Konstantinos Kenteris GRE 
Khalid Khannouchi USA 
Wilson Kipketer DEN 
Robert Korzeniowski POL 
Tim Montgomery USA 
Felix  Sanchez DOM 
Roman Sebrle CZE 

Stars of Past & Present at the Gala:

Erika Alfridi ITA
Mehdi Baala FRA
Donovan Bailey CAN
Kenenisa Bekele ETH
Michael Blackwood JAM
Usain Bolt JAM
Sergey  Bubka UKR
Jolanda Ceplak SLO
Nawal  El Moutawakel MAR
Paul Ereng KEN
Lee Evans USA
Dick Fosbury USA
Frank Fredericks  NAM
Mohamed Gammoudi TUN
Armin Hary GER
Stephan Holm SWE
Michel  Jazy FRA
Kip Keino KEN
Carolina Klüft SWE
Martin Lauer GER
Tegla Loroupe KEN
Maurren Higa Maggi BRA
Alain Mimoun FFA
Noureddine Morceli ALG
Fabrizio Mori ITA
Koji Murofushi JPN
Al Oerter  USA
Christian Olsson SWE
Jefferson  Perez ECU
Mike Powell USA
Lars  Riedel GER
Natalya Sadova RUS
Tommie Smith USA
Irena Szewinska POL
Igor Ter-Ovanesian RUS
Paul Tergat KEN
Gyula Zsivotzki HUN
 
Any journalist wishing to interview one of the above athletes are invited to contact IAAF Communications Staff

Press Office at the Monte Carlo Grand Hotel: + 377 93 50 65 00 - Salon Naiades D