The track season officially wrapped up a few weeks ago in Rieti, capping off a remarkable 2012 campaign. The men of track and field stepped up their games in the Olympic year to put on some truly phenomenal performances. From world records to Olympic gold medals, several men stood out as contenders for athlete of the year, but who is most worthy of the title track and field athlete of the year? That's for you to decide.

Here are the candidates:

Usain Bolt: defends Olympic 100m, 200m titles; world leader at 100m (9.63), 200m (19.32)

Ashton Eaton: decathlon world record at Olympic Trials (9039 points); Olympic gold medal

Mo Farah: Olympic champion at 5000m, 10000m in front of home British crowd

Aries Merritt: crushes 110 meter hurdles world record (12.80); Olympic champion

David Rudisha: breaks world record in Olympic final (1:40.91)

Who's your pick? Vote below: