THE extraordinary nature of Sally Pearson's victory in the 100-metre hurdles at the world championships has been acknowledged with the honour of being the first Australian to be elected athlete of the year.

The Queenslander won gold in Daegu, South Korea, in 12.28 seconds, the fastest time in 19 years and one that moved her to fourth on the all-time list.

It was enough for the International Association of Athletics Federations to acclaim her as female athlete of the year at a gala function in Monte Carlo on Saturday.

The men's award went to Jamaican super sprinter Usain Bolt for the third time in four years.