MONACO (AP) β American sprinter Justin Gatlin, unbeaten this season, has been named as an IAAF World Athlete of the Year candidate.
Ten years after winning the 100 meters at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Gatlin’s time of 9.77 seconds was a world best in 2014.
The IAAF’s 10-man list also includes marathon world record holder Dennis Kimetto of Kenya and pole vault indoor record holder Renaud Lavillenie of France.
For the women’s award, the 10 candidates include runner Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia, shot putter Valerie Adams of New Zealand and discus thrower Sandra Perkovic of Croatia.
Voting is open until Oct. 16 for athletes, officials, member federations and media to decide three finalists for each award. The winners will be chosen by the IAAF’s ruling council and announced on Nov. 21.
