Phelps beats Woods at ESPY awards

July 17, 2009

Phelps beats Woods at ESPY awards

Michael Phelps put an end on the five year sway of Tiger Woods in the ESPY awards by garnering five ESPY Awards that included the male athlete of the year award. The winner of 14 Olympic Medals, Phelps booty of awards included those for championship performance, record-breaking performance, male Olympian and the best moment award for the triumphant win in the 400metres freestyle swimming relay during the Beijing Games.

Michael Phelps was the clear winner in the race for the male athlete of the year award leaving behind famed NBA megastars LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and NASCAR racer Jimmie Johnson.

The male golfer honors went to Tiger Woods who added the 22nd ESPY trophy award to his ever-expanding collection of trophies for the fifth year in a row.

Best Female Athlete award went to Nastia Liukin in Gymnastics. Dara Torres, the Olympic swimmer, won the Best Comeback award.

President Nelson Mandela was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award for his commendable efforts. Samuel L. Jackson hosted the 2009 ESPY Awards that was held on 15th July in the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Special Awards

Arthur Ashe Courage Award: President Nelson Mandela
Jimmy V Award For Perseverance: Don Meyer, Northern State University coach
Best Comeback: Dara Torres, Olympic swimmer.

Best in Sport

Best Female Athlete: Nastia Liukin, Gymnastics
Best Male Athlete: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Moment: US Swim team wins thrilling finish in Olympic relay
Best Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Best Coach/Manager: Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers
Best Game: Steelers vs. Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII
Best Championship Performance: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Play: Roethlisberger to Holmes Super Bowl Winning TD
Best Upset: US Soccer shocks Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinals
Best Breakthrough Athlete: Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Best Record Breaking Performance: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Sports Movie: The Express: The Ernie Davis Story
Best Male College Athle te: Tim Tebow, Florida Football
Best Female College Athlete: Maya Moore, Connecticut Women’s Basketball
Best Male Athlete with a Disability: Jason Lester, Ironman Triathlete
Best Female Athlete with a Disability: Erin Popovich, Swimming
Best International Male Athlete: Usain Bolt (Jamaica, Sprinter)
Best International Female Athlete: Lorena Ochoa (Mexico, Golf)

Individual Sports
Best Baseball Player: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
Best NBA Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Best WNBA Player: Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks
Best NFL Player: Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
Best NHL Player: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Best MLS Player: Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy
Best Male Action Sports Athlete: Shaun White, Skateboarding/Snowboarding
Best Female Action Sports Athlete: Maya Gabeira, Surfing
Best Bowler: Norm Duke
Best Driver: Jimmie Johnson
Best Fighter: Manny Pacquiao, Boxing
Best Male Golfer: Tiger Woods
Best Female Golfer: Lorena Ochoa
Best Jockey: Calvin Borel