Olympians Michael Phelps and Nastia Liukin Score Big at ESPYs

 http://www.awardsandhonors.com/news.html?id=178

The 2009 ESPY Awards turned the clock back to last summer’s Beijing Olympics, awarding Best Male Athlete to swimmer Michael Phelps, Best Female Aythlete to gymnast Nastia Liukin and Best Moment the United States swim relay team that won the gold medal by a fraction of an inch of Phelp’s finger.

Phelps selection as Male Athlete of the year ended a long reign by golfer Tiger Woods (who had to settle for Best Male Golfer). Phelps beat out fellow nominees Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and racing star Jimmie Johnson.

Liukin beat out swimmer Natalie Coughlin, Maya Moore, WNBA star Candace Parker and tennis sensation Serena Wiliams.

Other major winners included:

·         Best Breakthrough Athlete: Atlanta Falcons rookie QB Matt Ryan

·         Best Comeback Athlete: swimmer Dana Torres

·         Best Team: Los Angeles Lakers

·         Best Coach-Manager: Phil Jackson of the Los Angeles Lakers

·         Best Male College Athlete: Florida QB Tim Tebow

·         Best Female College Athlete: UConn Basketball Star Maya Moore

·         Best Male International Athlete: Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt

·         Best Female International Athlete: Mexican Golfer Lorena Ochoa

There were a few surprising winners along the way. The Best Game (Event) went to Super Bowl XLIII, which won over the historic Rafael Nadal/Roger Federer Wimbledon Final. The Best Female Olympic Athlete went to gymnast Shawn Johnson, who beat out the Best Female Athlete winner Nastia Liukin.