Bolt named IAAF World Athlete of the Year

Jamaican Usain Bolt beat United States hurdler Aries Merritt and Kenyan runner David Rudisha to clinch the IAAF World Athlete of the Year award for the fourth time.

Bolt, who defended his 100 and 200 meter gold at the London Olympic Games, had previously won the award in 2008, 2009, and 2011.

United States sprinter Allyson Felix, who won the 200-meter gold in London, took home the women's World Athlete of the Year award.

The other women's in the fray for the award were New Zealand shot putter Valerie Adams and British heptathlete Jessica Ennisâ -- both gold medalists in London.