Bolt, Fraser-Pryce named top sports personalities

Asuncion (Paraguay), Dec 25: Jamaicans Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce have been voted top sporting personalities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The announcement was made by AIPS America, the Continental arm of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), following balloting by sport journalists Tuesday, reports CMC.

Bolt was a clear winner over Gymnast Daniel Corral of Mexico, footballer Radamel García of Mexico and Cuban Judoka Asley Gonzalez.

The Jamaican speedster, who for the fifth time in six years was named IAAF World male Athlete of the Year, won three gold medals at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow, Russia. He was also the recipient of the AIPS America 2012 Male Athlete of the Year.

Fraser-Pryce, who was also the IAAF World Female Athlete of the Year, edged out American tennis star Serena Williams in a second round of voting following a first round tie.

Colombian jumper Catherine Ibarguen and Alexandra Escobar, weightlifter from Ecuador, were the other female nominees.

The top team for 2013 was Dominican Republic Baseball team which won their first ever World Baseball Classic title, beating the Netherlands 3-0 in the final.