Following a tradition first introduced in 2004 with the election of Best World Masters Athletes, this years honourees W50 Christine Müller SUI and M55 Wolfgang Ritte GER were honoured at the IAF Gala on Nov. 23, 2008 in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

The IAF Gala, presided over by His Highness Prince Albert II and IAAF President Lamine Diack, is a prestigious annual event with a formal setting honouring the best world open class athletes of this years athletics season as well as a selected few accomplished athletes of past years. WMA is much honoured to be invited to partake in this get-together of the elite in world athletics – athletes and office holders alike.

Following a photo shooting session in the morning with Lamine Diack, Christine Müller and Wolfgang Ritte enjoyed the Gala during the evening. Their trophies and diplomas were handed to them by Sergey Bubka, UKR, IAAF Vice President and all-time greatest world pole vaulter and by Yelena Isinbayeva, RUS, the current pole vaulting queen, who was elected Best Female World Athlete at this years gala for the third time during her brilliant and unique athletic career.

Please see additional photos in the Photo Gallery Section