2006 World Athletes of the Year - Sanya Richards (USA) and Asafa Powell (JAM) (© Getty Images)
Highlights of Sunday's press conference announcing the World Athletes of the year. Attending were the winners, Sanya Richards (USA) and Asafa Powell (JAM), and IAAF President Lamine Diack.
Click here for Athlete of the Year announcement
Sanya Richards, USA
400m – Golden League Jackpot winner, IAAF Overall Ranking leader- Female Athlete of the Year 2006
Upon receiving her trophy, Sanya declared:
“Through the season, I can’t remember which meet we were at, me and Asafa talked and we said, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if at the end of the year we both are the World Athletes of the Year?’ And he just replied as calm as ever, ‘Yeah.’”
“I was so excited when I found out that I was the Athlete of the Year. This is more than just the icing on the cake. Can I believe it?”
“Yes and No. I have worked very hard this year; at the beginning of the season one of my main objectives was to be the 2006 Athlete of the Year but I knew it was going to be hard, with for instance someone like Yelena Isinbayeva who’s been dominating the Pole Vault. Thank God I managed to remain on top and get this award.”
“My two favourite memories of the year are when I broke the American record at the very last meeting of the season. I actually thought it wasn’t going to happen this year. And my second best memory was in Berlin when I won the race and managed to remain undefeated in all six meetings of the Golden League.”
On the attention that this award will generate:
“Ever since I was growing up I have always had a lot of attention. In middle school, in high school, and in college I was receiving a lot of attention. However I still haven’t won any World or Olympic title so I have a lot to be hungry for next year. I will use this as my motivation.”
“I think that for me and Asafa to be Athletes of the Year today is a great testament of Jamaica Athletics, of the great athletics programme of this country and I have the best of both worlds. Being born in Jamaica I still get a lot of attention from them.
“With the money, I will help my younger sister who has just graduated in cosmetology open a beauty salon so she can start her own business.”
Asafa Powell, Jamaica
100m – Golden League Jackpot winner, IAAF Overall Ranking leader - Male Athlete of the Year 2006
“Last year I wanted to win this title but I didn’t because I got injured. This year I worked hard and I’m thankful to get this award. It is a major accomplishment to realize that people recognize the hard work that I put in the sport and they actually vote for me. Next year, I’ll work even harder and hopefully win the World title.”
“No, there won’t be any party to celebrate this award. I have just started training again and there is only more hard training waiting for me when I go back home.”
“Zürich is definitely the best memory of my 2006 season. It’s a race that I won’t forget. Bruxelles is also another good moment, I know it would have been another World record if I hadn’t had such a bad start.”
On his injury problems:
“I prayed to God and asked him to keep me healthy this year and he answered my prayer. I have had a wonderful season!”
