Intro:

Shot putter Valerie Adams of New Zealand and pole vault indoor record holder Renaud Lavillenie of France were named world athletes of the year at the 2014 IAAF World Athletics Gala in Monaco on Friday.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, International Athletics Foundation (IAF) Honorary President:

"The 2014 female world athlete of the year is...Valerie Adams."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Valerie Adams, 2014 Female Athlete of the Year:
"After bring a finalist four times i am really happy to receive this award tonight. It is the icing on the cake for what has been an awesome career and i hope to continue this career next year and in years to come. I stand here as a proud New Zealander. We have four million people but 60 million sheep, although i am here tonight. Go the Kiwi's."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Lamine Diack, IAAF President:
"The male athlete of the year is Renaud Lavillenie."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Renaud Lavillenie, 2014 Male Athlete of the Year:
"So as i say to you, i didn't prepare anything. I think it is more natural for me and from my heart so..first of all i am very very happy about that because it means a lot to be able to be the highlight of that night from my sport is something very special. We are used to seeing Usain Bolt from the last five years so it is a big difference and much smaller - but i am very very proud."