Updated September 06, 2010
The 2005 United States Sports Academy's Athlete of the Year Award voting is now open. Cast your vote for the male and female athlete of the year on-line. My picks? Swimmers Aaron Piersol and Natalie Coughlin.
Aaron Peirsol - United States Swimming
Aaron Piersol was named the Male Athlete of the Year at USA Swimming's Golden Goggles Awards, is a three-time Olympic gold medalist that won three golds at the world championships in Montreal, and has set two world records during the year.
Natalie Coughlin - United States Swimming
Natalie Coughlin is a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and won five medals (two gold and three silver) at the Fina World Cup meet in February. She also won the 100-meter backstroke and 100-meter freestyle at the World Championship trials in May.