8 November 2012

This week, the IAAF announced the three Female Athletes who are still in contention to become the 2012 World Athlete of the Year. Following a three-week poll, the three female athletes who gathered the most votes are (in alphabetical order):

Valerie Adams, NZL

Jessica Ennis, GBR

Allyson Felix, USA

Ennis, who was named UKA Athlete of the Year and European Female Athlete of the Year for 2012 just last month, posted on her Facebook Page: "Delighted to have been shortlisted for the 2012 World Female Athlete of the Year award. Such an honour."

The voting process to determine the three male and three female finalists for the World Athletes of the Year Award started on Monday 8 October and concluded on Sunday 28 October.

Votes were cast from a panel of 2,400 people around the globe representing the IAAF & IAF Council Members, the 212 IAAF Member Federations, the IAAF Committee & Commission Members, the One-day Meeting Directors, the IAAF Ambassadors, the IAAF Registered Athletes’ Representatives, International Top Athletes, selected members of the International Press and IAAF Staff Members.

Each person voted for one man and one woman. The three men and three women who received the most votes were selected as finalists.

The winners of the 2012 World Athlete of the Year Awards will be announced live, on stage, during a Special Awards Ceremony as part of the IAAF Centenary Celebrations, which will take place in Barcelona, on 24 November 2012.

Ennis’ coach Toni Minichiello has also been nominated for an award. Read more here.