Wayde van Niekerk with the ANOC award for best male athlete of Rio 2016 (© Getty Images)
Wayde van Niekerk was named the best male athlete of Rio 2016 at the 2016 ANOC (the Association of National Olympic Committees) Awards in Doha on Tuesday (15).
The South African sprinter produced one of the enduring memories of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games when winning the 400m from lane eight in a world record of 43.03.
The Refugee Olympic Team received an award for inspiring hope through sport, which was accepted by Tegla Loroupe.
On behalf of Team GB, IAAF President Sebastian Coe accepted the award for the most successful NOC of Rio 2016.
Breakthrough NOC awards were also presented to the NOCs who won their first ever Olympic medal or gold medal in Rio. Olympic steeplechase champion Ruth Jebet, the first Olympic gold medallist for Bahrain, accepted the award on behalf of her country.
“The Rio 2016 Olympic Games produced many memorable sporting memories created by inspirational athletes from around the world,” said ANOC President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.
“The athletes and their respective NOCs are at the very heart of every Olympic Games. It is their hard work and commitment that contributes to the success of the Games and it is important these achievements are recognised and honoured.
“Tonight has been a fantastic evening for the world’s NOCs, an opportunity to thank and give back to them after all they give to the Olympic Movement.”
IAAF
