Barshim and Thiam are world athletes of year

Monaco, November 25: High jump world champion Mutaz Essa Barshim and heptathlete Nafissatou Thiam were named the Best Male and Female World Athletes of the Year by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) at its Annual Gala held at its headquarters in Monaco.

Qatari Barshim, 26, was unbeaten in 11 competitions in 2017, winning gold at the World Championships and romping to the Diamond League crown.

. @mutazbarshim wins the Male Athlete of the Year Award

The Qatar high jumper went unbeaten all season, clinched world championship gold in London and romped to the Diamond League crown

Well done, Mutaz!#AthleticsAwards pic.twitter.com/mVXqfk7w3m

— IAAF (@iaaforg) November 24, 2017

Thiam, 23, also took the world title to add to her Olympic crown and broke through the 7,000 points barrier by registering 7,013 at a meeting in Austria.

. @thiam_nafi wins Female Athlete of the Year Award at the #AthleticsAwards

The heptathlete broke 7000pts in Gotzis, then waltzed to world championships gold in London to add to her Olympic title

Well done, Nafi! pic.twitter.com/jVgtu5tlgY

— IAAF (@iaaforg) November 24, 2017

IAAF President Sebastian Coe presented the trophy to Barshim, while International Athletics Foundation (IAF) Honorary President Prince Albert II of Monaco presented the trophy to Thiam.

"Tonight is our time to celebrate," Coe said.

After picking up their Athlete of the Year Awards, everyone wants to talk to @thiam_nafi and @mutazbarshim #AthleticsAwards pic.twitter.com/Zzmx1aHv5J

— IAAF (@iaaforg) November 24, 2017

"We have recognised the achievements and remarkable careers of some outstanding athletes, coaches and officials.

"With more than 50 champions, record breakers, ambassadors and coaches here tonight it's impossible to individually honour everyone - I wish we could.

"We celebrate your amazing contributions to a phenomenal year of athletics. I'm particularly excited by the young generation of talent which so dramatically came of age on the world stage in 2017.

"Athletics looks forward to a strong and exciting future safe in your hands."

Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt, who retired this season after taking 100M bronze at the World Championships in London to end his career as one of the most recognised athletes in the world, was conferred with President's Award.

Other awards

MALE RISING STAR: Karsten Warholm (Norway)

FEMALE RISING STAR: Yulimar Rojas (Venezuela)

PRESIDENT'S AWARD: Usain Bolt (Jamaica)

COACHING ACHIEVEMENT: Anna Botha (Namibia)

WOMEN IN ATHLETICS: Cherry Alexander (Great Britain)

(IAAF media)