Powell and Simpson take Sportsman and Sportswoman awards 2006

The world’s fastest man, Asafa Powell, and the fastest woman for 2006, Sherone Simpson, took the coveted top awards at the 46th National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel Thursday night.

The cricketer Chris Gayle and the sprint hurdler Brigitte Foster-Hylton were named runners up.

Powell said he was pleased with the award, and looking forward to a better year in 2007.

The 400 metre runner Sandie Richards, who retired last year after 20 years on the international scene, received the Chairman’s Trophy.

In the meantime, former Olympic 100 meter Champion, Maurice Greene, has vowed to challenge for gold again at the Beijing games in 2008, where he will compete against Jamaica’s world record holder Asafa Powell.

The 32-year-old American is a three-time 100 meter World Champion and former 100 meter world record holder.