2009 IAAF Athletes of the Year - and the Finalists are...

[Ryan]

I hope it's not all about the record chase. Hopefully, some thought is given to beating the best possible competition. That said, is there any doubt who the front runner on the men's side will be?

Monte-Carlo – With no fewer than 10 senior World records established on track, roads and indoors 2009 has been a year of success for athletics not only in terms of performances but also in terms of participation, audience and drama.

The 12th IAAF World Championships in Berlin proved how great a spectacle athletics can be and also highlighted how charismatic athletes can transcend our sport.

...

Male Finalists are: (in alphabetical order)

Kenenisa Bekele, Ethiopia
Usain Bolt, Jamaica
Tyson Gay, USA
Steven Hooker, Australia
Andreas Thorkildsen, Norway

IAAF article

[oldcolonial]

I know Bekele is the man in distance running but it has to be a walk over for Bolt.

[Ryan]

Yes, Bekele would seem to be the runaway distance runner of the year but it's hard to imagine anyone being selected over Bolt for this honor.