Monte Carlo  - Three-time sprint world champion Usain Bolt of Jamaica heads a shortlist of five men vying for the World Athlete of the Year award from the ruling body IAAF.

Bolt, winner of the prestigious award last year, lowered his own world records in the 100 and 200 metres to 9.58 and 19.19 seconds, respectively, en route to world titles in Berlin in August. He also was part of the Jamaican 4x100m gold relay.

The IAAF list issued on Monday also includes Ethiopian double long distance world champion Kenenisa Bekele, American sprinter Tyson Gay, Norwegian world javelin champion Andreas Thorkildsen and Steven Hooker of Australia, who became the second best pole vaulter ever with 6.06m in February and then won the world title despite injury.

The winner of the poll conducted among the IAAF family, the media and fans will be announced on November 22 at the World Athletics Gala.

The IAAF said it would release the women's shortlist on Tuesday.(dpa)