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Mutaz Essa Barshim and Nafissatou Thiam named world athletes of the year by IAAF

By PA Sport

Friday 24 November 2017 21:49, UK

World high jump champion Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim (L) and Belgium's athlete Nafissatou Thiam (R) react with their trophy after being awarded Male and Fem
Image: Mutaz Essa Barshim (left) and Nafissatou Thiam react with their trophies

Mutaz Essa Barshim and Nafissatou Thiam have been named world athletes of the year by the IAAF.

Qatari high jumper Barshim and Belgian multi-event specialist Thiam received their trophies at an event in Monaco.

World champion Barshim produced an undefeated season across 11 competitions in becoming the first high jumper in history to leap 2.40 metres or higher in five successive years.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Nafissatou Thiam of Belgium celebrates after the Women's Heptathlon 800 metres and winning gold in the Heptathlon during day
Image: Thiam won gold in the heptathlon at the IAAF World Championships in London

Thiam, the recipient of last year's Female Rising Star Award after claiming the Olympic heptathlon title, became world champion in London with a score of 6,784 points.

IAAF president Sebastian Coe said: "Tonight is our time to celebrate. Athletics looks forward to a strong and exciting future, safe in your hands."

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Recently retired sprinter Usain Bolt won the president's award, which recognises and honours great service to the sport.

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