The United States Sports Academy has named their Male and Female Athletes of the Year, with Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva nabbing the award on the women's side. Boxer Manny Pacquiao won the men's award.
While the university has "United States" in its name, athletes from all over the world were eligible for these awards. Over 1.9 million votes were cast worldwide. Other nominees included Roger Federer, Usain Bolt, Lorena Ochoa, and Linet Masai, but voters ultimately chose to honor an elite athlete from a sport that does not traditionally make as many headlines.
Isinbayeva enjoyed a record-setting 2009. She currently holds both the indoor and outdoor pole vaulting records for women at 16 feet, 4 inches (5 meters) and 16 feet, 6 inches (5.06 meters), respectively. In addition to owning these records and becoming the first woman to clear 16 feet indoors, Yelena Isinbayeva also won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year and the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports.
Check out a slideshow of Yelena Isinbayeva below.
Comments