Lausanne (SUI), December 5, 2011 – The best nine Athletes of the Year 2011 were selected by FINA for its five aquatic disciplines. In an initiative promoted by its “FINA Aquatics World Magazine”, and after collecting the votes from FINA’s 202 National Member Federations, media and aquatic experts, the list of the best competitors includes:
SWIMMING
Men: Ryan Lochte (USA)
2011 World Champion in the 200m free, 200m back, 200m IM, 400m IM, 4x200m free; WR in the 200m IM
Women: Melissa (“Missy”) Franklin (USA)
2011 World Champion in the 200m back, 4x200m free, 4x100m medley; silver medallist in the 4x100m free; bronze medallist in the 50m back
DIVING
Men: Qiu Bo (CHN)
2011 World Champion in the 10m platform (individual and synchro); 2011 World Series overall winner (10m platform)
Women: Wu Minxia (CHN)
2011 World Champion in the 3m springboard (individual and synchro); 2011 World Series overall winner (3m springboard synchro)
WATER POLO
Men: Filip Filipovic (SRB)
2011 World Championships silver medallist; 2011 World League winner
Women: Alexandra Asimaki (GRE)
2011 World Champion
SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING
Natalia Ishchenko/Svetlana Romashina (RUS)
2011 World Champions in Duet
OPEN WATER SWIMMING
Men: Thomas Lurz (GER)
2011 World Champion in the 5km; silver medallist in the 10km; 2011 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup overall winner
Women: Keri-Anne Payne (GBR)
2011 World Champion in the 10km