2009 Jesse Owens Athlete of the Year Award presented by Nike

For the first time, track and field fans have the opportunity to help select the 2009 Jesse Owens Awards winners. The honors going to the sport’s top athletes of the year is selected by a vote of the media; this year, an online fan balloting will account for 10 percent of the votes.

The following contains a list of the nominees and paragraphs illustrating the nominees’ accomplishments in 2009.

Cast your vote by 3 p.m. Eastern Time on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13. BE SURE TO CHOOSE ONE MALE AND ONE FEMALE WINNER.

 This year’s awards will be presented December 5 at the Jesse Owens Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held in conjunction with USA Track & Field’s 2009 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, December 2-6.

The Jesse Owens Award was established in 1981 as a tribute to the man whose accomplishments are forever enshrined in sports history. It is USA Track & Field’s highest accolade, and is presented annually to the individuals selected through a nominating and voting procedure as the outstanding American performers of the year in Athletics.

PRIZES:
Two lucky fans who participate in the voting will be chosen at random to receive the ultimate apparel gift package, including autographed gear. Four more fans chosen at random receive USA Track & Field/Nike merchandise. Read the official rules of the contest.
 

View the slideshow below to see the candidates and their credentials. Or view the entire list of the candidates and their credentials.

Voting has ended, winners will be announced soon.