NEW YORK (PRNewswire) — The International Athletic Association (IAA), one of the leading athletic organizations providing recognition and support to professional and amateur athletes, today announced the return of the Jesse Owens International Athlete Trophy. Usain Bolt is among three track & field stars nominated for the award. Mohamed Farah and Liu Xiang are the other two.
The award, presented annually to one world-class athlete based on their values of integrity, uncompromised sportsmanship, and excellence in athletic competition was created in 1981 in honor of the celebrated track and field star Jesse Owens. Owens famously made history as an athlete and activist, in 1936 winning four gold medals at the Berlin Olympic Games. The trophy was last presented in 2003 and the IAA is proud to bring it back to its rightful place among sports' most prestigious awards.
Track & Field finalists for the 2014 Jesse Owens International Trophy include:
Usain Bolt (Jamaica, Athletics)
The fastest man in track and field history, Bolt has won six Olympic gold medals, eight World Championship gold medals and holds records for the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4×100 relay.
Mohamed Farah (Great Britain, Athletics)
Considered one of Athletics' greatest distance runners, Farah was the winner of the 5,000 and 10,000-meter races at the 2012 Olympic Games and 2013 World Championships.
Liu Xiang (China, Athletics)
A former world record-holder in the 110-meter high hurdles, Xiang is considered China's most successful athletes. He has won gold medals in both the 2004 Olympic Games and 2007 World Championships.
Tiger Woods (USA, Golf) , Serena Williams (USA, Tennis), Michael Phelps (USA, Swimming), Apolo Ohno (USA, Short Track Speed Skating), Lionel "Leo" Messi (Spain, Soccer), LeBron James (USA, Basketball) and Marit Bjoergen (Norway, Cross-Country Skiing).
