The USA Track and Field “Athlete of the Year” winners were chosen by sports fans, as well as the media.
Sam Kendricks will receive the coveted Jesse Owens award. He went undefeated this year in pole vault, with 17 major wins in high-profile competitions, and no losses. At the USA Track and Field outdoor championships, Kendricks set a personal best of six meters, thus joining the prestigious six meters club.
At the 2017 World Championships in London this past August, Kendricks won first place in the men’s pole vault, after clearing 5.95 meters. He was also named Diamond League Champion of 2017. Last year at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Kendricks took home the bronze for Team USA.
On the other hand, Emma Coburn who won the gold medal in the 3000 meters women’s steeplechase was named “Female Athlete of the Year” by USA Track & Field, and she will receive the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Award.
Kendricks and Coburn will be officially honored at the Jesse Owens Banquet on Saturday, December 2, which will take place in Columbus, Ohio.
