Fraser Pryce, Jackson make World Athletics Athlete of the Year shortlist
Published:Wednesday | October 12, 2022 | 9:21 AMDaniel Wheeler/Gleaner Writer
Reigning world 100-metre champion Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce and World 200-metre champion Shericka Jackson have made the shortlist for World Athletics 2022 Female Athlete of the Year.
The governing body made the announcement today as Fraser-Pryce and Jackson join a list of 10 nominees vying for the award which will be presented at the World Athletics Award later this year. Fraser-Pryce won the award in 2013 but this is Jackson's first-ever nomination.
Fraser-Pryce captured her fifth world 100m title at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon in July in a championship record 10.67 seconds and also clocked seven sub 10.7 times this season, including her world-leading 10.62 set in August in Monaco. She has won more World 100m titles than any athlete male or female and won her seventh Diamond League title.
Jackson captured her first individual title at the World Championships, also winning the 200m crown in a championship record 21.45, becoming the second-fastest woman ever at the distance. Jackson also added the 200m Diamond League title to her resume this season. She has now won world championship medals at the 100m, 200m and 400m.
The pair of Jamaicans are in an elite field, which includes World 400m hurdles champion and world record holder, Sydney Mclaughlin, and World 100m hurdles champion and world record holder, Tobi Amusan.
Mclaughlin broke the world record twice this year with her most recent barrier-breaking performance coming in Eugene in 50.68. Amusan shattered the hurdles record in the semi-finals of the championships, clocking 12.12.
Voting is now open with the World Athletics Council accounting for 50 per cent of the vote while the World Athletics Family and public votes will count for 25 per cent each. Fans can vote on social media using any of the World Athletic platforms. Voting closes on October 31 with the field cut down to five finalists. The awards will be presented in December.
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Shortlist of nominees for Female Athlete of the Year
Chase Ealy (USA)
Shericka Jackson (JAM)
Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce (JAM)
Tobi Amusan (NGR)
Yulimar Rojas (VEN)
Sydney Mclaughlin (USA)
Shaunae Miller-Uibo (BAH)
Yaroslava Mahuchikh (UKR)
Faith Kipyegon (KEN)
Kimberly Garcia (PER)