Gatlin fails to make Top 3 list

Monaco - Facing a backlash over his doping past, American sprinter Justin Gatlin has failed to make the list of finalists for the IAAF world athlete of the year award.

Gatlin, undefeated in the 100m and 200m this season, was among the original 10 nominees for the prize. But, after a two-week voting process, he was not among the three finalists announced on Friday.

Gatlin served a four-year ban after testing positive for testosterone in 2006. His nomination had angered some athletes and officials, with Olympic discus champion Robert Harting of Germany withdrawing from consideration for the award.

The finalists are Qatari high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim, Kenyan marathon runner Dennis Kipruto Kimetto and French pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie.

The women's finalists are shot putter Valerie Adams of New Zealand, Ethiopian distance runner Genzebe Dibaba and Dutch sprinter Dafne Schippers.