Every year, the American Sports Academy conducts a survey of thousands of fans, choosing the best athletes of the year. In the last decade of December, the finalists of this year were announced. It is pleasant that, despite all the political differences and information wars, sports fans unanimously voted for Russian Maria Sharapova.

In today's selection, we present those who have earned the honorary title - the best athletes of 2014. Voting identified three finalists among athletes of both sexes.

Top 3 best athletes of the year among women

3. Keti Ledeki

The American swimmer is the owner of world records in swimming at medium distances of 400, 800, as well as 1,500 m freestyle. Ledeki set her last record in August 2014 at the prestigious Pacific Championship.

2. Gensebe Dibaba

Ethiopian runner specializes in long distances. Gensebe’s cousin is also an athlete, and Olympic champions. Dibaba herself in February 2014 set two “fresh” world records - at distances of 3 thousand and a half thousand meters.

1. Maria Sharapova

This year, Masha took second place in the global ranking of WTA, losing to American Williams. In the piggy bank Sharapova for the year of victory in tournaments in Madrid, Stuttgart and Beijing. The best athlete in the world in the past year won the “Roland Garros”.

Top 3 best athletes of the year among men

3. Lionel Messi

Forward of the Spanish “Barcelona” has been playing football since the age of five. At the World Cup in Brazil, Messi acted as captain of the team. The Argentines for the first time since 1990 reached the semi-finals of Mundial. As a result, the Messi team received the silver of the Championship, losing only to the brilliant German national team in the final. Lionel was recognized as the best player in the world tournament.

2. Dennis Kimetto

In 2014, the Kenyan athlete won the Berlin Marathon with a new world record - 2 hours 2 minutes. 57 sec The athlete lives and trains in his homeland in the small village of Kapngetuni. In November 2014, Athens Dennis was awarded the title of the best marathoner in the world.

1. Novak Djokovic

The best athlete of 2014 also bears the title of the best racket of the world in singles. This year was successful for Djokovic not only in tennis, but also in his personal life - the athlete married his long-time girlfriend Elena Ristic. Well, on the court, Novak won 7 titles over the year, including a victory at Wimbledon, as well as in the final ATM tournament.

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