MONTE CARLO, Sept 16: Moroccan middle distance king Hicham El Guerrouj and South African high jumper Hestrie Cloete have been named World Athletes of the Year.

The International Association of Athletic Federations awarded the two 100,000 dollars each.

It was a third consecutive award for four-time world 1500m champion El Guerrouj.

Both athletes topped their season by winning gold medals at last month’s world championships in Paris.

El Guerrouj’s decision to double at the World Championships meant that he had a fairly restricted season, while putting in the extra work necessary to accommodate both the 1500 and 5000 metres.

Cloete’s run was amazing for a field event competitor when so many little things can go wrong technically on any given day.

Cloete’s consistency saw her record 22 wins in 26 high jump competitions throughout 2003.

Other Awards

Rising Stars: Usain Bolt (JAM), Kenenisa Bekele (ETH), Tirunesh Dibaba (ETH), Allyson Felix (USA), Eliud Kipchoge (KEN)

Distinguished Career Award

Cathy Freeman (AUS).—APP