McLeod and Thompson headline Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year nominees

World champion Omar McLeod and joint national record holder Elaine Thompson, headline the list of nominees for the 2017 RJR Gleaner Sports Foundation National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards. McLeod who is also the national record holder, crowned a brilliant 2017 by capturing the sprint hurdles title at the London World Championships, heads the list of seven males nominated for the National Sportsman of the Year award. In what was a stellar year for McLeod, he also produced seven of the eight fastest times in the world for his event.

Retired legendary sprinter Usain Bolt who closed his career with a bronze in the 100 metres at the London World Championships, is the other nominee from track and field. The list includes three cricketers, Chris Gayle, Chadwick Walton and Nikita Miller; Reggae Boyz captain and goalkeeper Andre Blake and national squash champion Chris Binnie.

Only a mere three candidates have made the female list with World Championships 400 metres hurdles bronze medallist Ristanana Tracey, joint 100 metres national record holder Elaine Thompson and the island's top swimmer Alia Atkinson being the nominees.

Meanwhile, representatives from five national sporting associations questioned the omission of nominees from the disciplines of netball, rugby, badminton, golf and chess.

Mike Fennell, Chairman of the Selection Committee, said  will look at athletes from other disciplines who may be eligible for category awards. The RJR Gleaner Communications Group is into its 11th year of involvement with the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards.

Meanwhile, Reggae Boyz goalkeeper Andre Blake, defender Kemar Lawrence, sprint hurdler Omar McLeod, boxer Kemhal ‘Hitman’ Russell and fast bowler Oshane Thomas have been nominated for the ‘People's Choice Performance of the Year’ Award to be voted on by members of the public.
     
The 56th annual National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards function is set for Friday, January 19 at the Jamaica Pegasus.