( L - R ) Sherone Simpson, Asafa Powell, Stephen Francis - File

Jamaica's sprint duo Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson are the 2006 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) male and female Athletes of the Year.

Stephen Francis, who conditions both sprinters from the Maximum Velocity Performance (MVP) Track Club, was named the North America, Central America and Caribbean Track & Field Coaches Association (NACACTFCA) Coach of the Year.

Unbeaten in 16 races, Powell twice equalled his 100m world record of 9.77 in Gateshead (June 11) and in Zurich (August 18), and also recorded 12 sub-10 seconds clockings.

In addition to that feat - the first time a sprinter has recorded more than 10 sub-10 times in one season, Powell also created history by becoming the first male to end a Golden League Season unbeaten.

Powell, who won the World Athletics Final 100 metres title, secured times of 9.77 (twice), 9.85 (twice), 9.86 (twice), 9.89, 9.91, 9.95, 9.96, 9.98 and 9.99, the best by far in any one season.

Simpson was also impressive in the sprints, posting the year's fastest times at 100m (10.82) and 200m (22.00).

The 22-year-old clocked seven of the 11 sub-11 seconds times recorded in the year and won the World Cup in Athens, as well as the World Athletics Final, both over 100m.

Though she did not secure a share of the Golden League prize money, beating multiple Olympic medallist Marion Jones of the United States twice, along with her world leading times, were the highlights of a wonderful season. She won four Golden League races.

Both athletes have also been nominated for the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) male and female Athletes of the Year awards. They are also shortlisted for the IAAF's Performance of the Year awards, Powell for his 9.77 (twice) and Simpson for her 10.82.

These awards will be announced at the IAAF World Athletics Gala in Monaco on November 12.