Another miss: World marathon record holder Kimetto and Qatari beaten to the big prize

Shot putter Valerie Adams of New Zealand (right) and World-record pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie of France after receiving their 2014 IAAF Athletes of the Year trophies during the IAAF Gala in Monte Carlo on Friday. [PHOTO: REUTERS]

Renaud Lavillenie and Valerie Adams were crowned the male and female World Athletes of the Year at the World Athletics Gala on Friday night, a befitting climax to their stunning shows this season.

Lavillenie beat world marathon record holder (2:02.57) Dennis Kimetto and hot-favourite Qatari high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim (Qatar) to lift the 2014 IAAF World Male Athlete of the Year award.