Usain "Lightning" Bolt, although not at his best this year, still managed to sprint away with the International Association of Athletics Federation's (IAAF) Male Athlete of the Year award 2011, which was held in Monaco on Saturday, November 12, 2011

This is the 25 year-old Bolt's third IAAF Male Athlete of the Year award. He defended his 200 meters World Championship title by clocking a time of 19.40 seconds and then anchored Jamaica's recording breaking 4x100 meters relay team to victory in 37.04 seconds in Deagu, Korea.

The "Lightning" remained unbeaten in the 200 meters all season and recorded the fastest 100 meters time of the year at 9.76 seconds. He won five of the six 100 meters races that he competed in. His only loss was due to the well publicized false start in the 100 meters final at the World Championship in Deagu, Korea.

Caribbean athletes also captured an additional two awards the night. Jamaica's Yohan "The Beast" Blake copped the Male Performance of the Year award for his 19.26 seconds dash in the 200 meters, at the Memorial Van Damme Diamond League event in Brussels, Belgium. This was the second fastest time recorded over the distance. Kirani "The Spice Kid" James, Grenada's 19 year-old sensation was presented with the Male Rising Star award for his 400 meters victory at the World Championship, and his 44.36 seconds win in this event at the IAAF Golden League meet in Zurich.

Australia's Sally Pearson, the 100 meters hurdles world champion, also received the Female Athlete of the Year award for her win at the World Championship and her consistent performance throughout the year in this event. Kenya's Vivian Cheruiyot, the double 5000 and 10000 meters world champion received the Female Performance of the Year award for winning both events at the World Championship. Germany's 17 year-old Christin Hussong, the world youth javelin throw champion in Lille, also won the Rising Star award.