Usain Bolt and Sally Pearson were awarded Athlete of the Year 2011 during the traditional IAAF World Athletics Gala, held in Monte Carlo. For the the third time the Jamaican sprinter wins the prize, while it was the first time for the Australian champion in the 100m hurdles. The other finalists were Yohan Blake and David Rudish for the men, and Valerie Adams and Vivian Cheruiyot for the women.