André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Two of Jamaica's greatest female athletes were honoured last evening at the RJR Sports Foundation National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel last night. Veronica Campbell-Brown walked away with her fourth sportswoman award, with special recognition given to sprint great Merlene Ottey.

Ottey, a 50-year-old veteran and 13-time sportswoman of the year, received one of two lifetime achievement awards, the other was presented to three-time world boxing champion Michael McCallum.

Former West Indies skipper Christopher Gayle, who smashed a massive 333 in a Test match against Sri Lanka last year, was named the Sportsman of the Year awardee.

Commonwealth Games 100-metre champion Lerone Clarke was named as the Sportsman of the Year runner-up, while swimming star Alia Atkinson walked away with the female equivalent.

Campbell-Brown, who sped to 7.00 seconds flat en route to victory in the 60m at the World Indoor Championships in Doha, Qatar, before registering the fastest times in the 100m and 200m over the year, expressed delight at being recognised once again for her efforts and spoke of her admiration for Ottey, who she highlighted as her idol.

"Receiving this award is a blessing, I'm thankful and I'm extremely honoured," said Campbell-Brown, before underlining her respect for the country's most successful professional sportsperson, Ottey.

"It [Ottey's award] is well-deserved Merlene is my role model, a great person and a great athlete, and I'm happy to share this moment with her.

"I want to thank all of Jamaica for the support. Jamaica is the greatest country on the Earth, it's full of great, energetic people and I thank you all for your support over the years and may God continue to bless us," said Campbell-Brown.

significant winnings

Campbell-Brown, who also announced that a significant portion of her winnings from the award would go directly to her foundation, which has been set up to assist females, also walked away with the People's Choice Award for performance. The athlete picked up the honour for her world's best 10.78 seconds 100m run, posted in early July in Oregon, USA.

Ottey was in a good mood all night and spoke fondly of her fellow Vere Technical alumni.

"She [Campbell-Brown] is very determined and she pushes herself just like me and she is a fantastic athlete I am very happy for her and what she has been doing," said Ottey, who was visibly moved to be back home.

"Thank you for the award, and I must say that it has always been a pleasure representing my country Jamaica," Ottey added, while accepting her award.

"I have been here two days now and the affection has been amazing and I'm very happy and thankful for that."

McCallum was also happy to be back home, and paid tribute to the other great boxers who have fought for the nation.

many champions

"It's a beautiful feeling to be back home with all the Jamaican people who have cheered with me and have cried with me over the years; but there are many champions, myself, [Trevor] Berbick, Bunny Grant and Simon Brown," said McCallum.

Special awards were also presented to young athletes Odean Skeen and Dexter Lee, who won the 100m at the Youth Olympic Games and World Junior Championships, respectively.

Five individuals were presented with certificates of merit for their off-the-field service to sports.

Carvel Stewart was recognised for his work in football, while certificates were also presented to Jerry Reid (sports development), Jacqueline Walter (swimming), Charles Fuller (athletics) and Maurice Haughton-James (fitness development).