Women's Nominees Athlete of the Year 2017 (© Getty Images / SPIKES)
The 10 nominees for the 2017 Female Athlete of the Year have been announced and the voting process is in full swing. We look at some of the words these superwomen used to describe their incredible accomplishments.
Almaz Ayana (ETH)
After winning the 10,000m world title in a world-leading 30:16.32. She won silver over 5000m a few days later.
“I am very happy to win this title. Much more than when I won the Olympic gold, because I have been sick this year and didn't expect it. In fact, this was my first race of 2017.”
Maria Lasitskene (ANA)
At the Lausanne Diamond League after setting PB, DLR and MR of 2.06m. She went on to win gold in London with 2.03m.
“I did not know really what to expect when coming here. It is something I feel on the spot. Apparently, Kasja [Bergqvist] said in the tribune that the record would be gone by the end of the night. I am very flattered to hear that and that people see so much potential in me.”
Hellen Obiri (KEN)
After shaving two seconds of the previous Kenyan record to clock 14:20.87 over 5000m at the Rome Diamond League. She went on to win the world title two months later.
“I train with men. We have a lot of groups in Kenya, but I like to train with men because they’re good to push hard.
“When I came to this race, I told myself that nobody can beat me.”
Sally Pearson (AUS)
After winning 100m hurdles gold in 12.59, five years after her last global title.
“Every single emotion that you can hold in your body just came out when I crossed that finish line. It wasn't surprise, it wasn't shock. I was just proud, so proud of what I had done to get here.”
Sandra Perkovic (CRO)
After winning her second discus world title, having had to settle for silver in 2015.
“I was full of emotion. I knew this is the right time and the right place to retain the title and I did it. I did it in my favourite stadium, I did it in front of this amazing crowd and I did it on the last day of athletics in London and I couldn’t expect more.”
Brittney Reese (USA)
After winning her fourth world long jump title outdoors, a month after her grandfather suddenly passed away.
“I went to the track for practice and after one day I quit. My grandfather took me back the next day. He told me I needed to do it. I thank him for putting me in that position and never letting me give up.
“I knew I had to go out there and bring something home for him.”
Caster Semenya (RSA)
After winning her third 800m title in a South African record of 1:55.16.
“We need to clear 1:55 first and it will require a lot of hard training. I have Olympic, world and Commonwealth titles now so maybe it is time to target the world record. It's the next thing on the list. I know it will be difficult but I will have to attempt soon, maybe.”
Ekaterini Stefanidi (GRE)
Minutes after receiving her gold medal in London. She won the pole vault title in a Greek record of 4.91m.
“Every time I am on the podium it’s different. I often think about how it all started, how it all went and how many times I’ve almost quit pole vaulting.
“It’s crazy to think about the different paths we take. Every flower blooms at a different rate.”
Nafi Thiam (BEL)
After winning the world heptathlon title with 6784 points. She’d scored a NR 7013 in Gotzis three months earlier.
“It's really incredible. I'm so happy. I know sports doesn’t pay off all the time, and you work and work and are never sure whether you are going to do something good. But for me it’s going great at the moment.
“I know that hard times are going to come, they come for everybody, but as long as it’s going well I’m going to try to save that happiness and use it as motivation.”
