Thompson reigns! Sprinter wins first Sportswoman of the Year award

Andre Lowe, Special Projects Editor - Sports

Rio 2016 standout Elaine Thompson was confirmed as Jamaica's best female sports star in the past year after winning her first RJR Sports Foundation National Sportswoman of the Year award at the Jamaica Pegasus.

Thompson won gold in the 100m and 200m at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games before helping Jamaica to a silver medal in the 4x100m relay. She also won the 100m Diamond Race in the IAAF Diamond League series and earlier claimed bronze in the 60m at the World Indoor Championships in what was a dominant year on the track.

Swimming star Alia Atkinson, who also had a strong year after breaking the 50m short course breaststroke world record after equalling the 100m mark, also won three medals at the World Swimming Championships and was a 100m breaststroke finalist at the Olympic Games.

"It is indeed an honour to stand here and accept this award. Last year was amazing, it was a blast to capture the 100m and 200m in Rio Brazil and to be the first woman in 28 years to do so much is overwhelming," said Thompson.