Poll: Sportsperson of the year - International

2012 has been a fantastic year for Sports. Sportsperson round the world have competed hard and toppled records to etch their names in Sporting history forever. Sportskeeda asked their writers to pool in with the nominees of for the Sportsperson of the Year (International) and received an overwhelming response. The nominees varied from different sports and we were spoilt for choices. However, the final nominations were drafted after counting the highest number of votes. Since Sportskeeda holds it’s audience in the highest regard, we ask all of you to vote for YOUR Sportsperson of the Year (International).

The nominees are:

Usain Bolt (Athletics)

To defend a title after a gap of four years is tougher than defending it in a gap of a year! Also, his heroics not only won him individual medals but also won them a team event of 4*100 Relay.

Bradley Wiggins (Cycling)

Became the first Briton to win the Tour de France and won another Olympic gol medal in the Olympic games. Also won the coveted BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

Sebastian Vettel (Formula One)

Sebastian Vettel had to be in the list for terrific come back from setbacks that he had this year. Also it’s a no mean feat to become the youngest triple champion in Formula One.

Michael Clarke (Cricket)

Undoubtedly had hit the form of his life. After slaying the Indian at home, the Aussie captain has gone on wielding his willow against the mighty Proteas and now against the Sri Lankans. Captaincy has revived him as a batsman and the “Pup” has now overtaken his predecessor, Ricky Ponting to become the highest run getter in a calender year by an Australian,

Lionel Messi (Football)

Undoubtedly the most consistent club level footballer in recent years. 91 goals in a year speaks volumes for the ability of the man. Not only for Barcelona, he has now stepped up his performances for the Argentine team as well.

Alastair Cook (Cricket)

The England test captain has achieved the “impossible” - beat India on their backyard. Not only he lead the lead the team well, but also stood like a rock to anchor the English batting. He grounded the Indian spinners to dust and notched up a string of amazing hundreds.

Magnus Carlsen (Chess)

He broke Gary Kasparov’s all-time record of highest-ever rating in chess. The record has stood for 13 years. Carlsen won all the top tournaments this year and remained No. 1 throughout the year.

LeBron James (Basketball)

King James had a stellar 2012, winning the NBA Championship with Miami Heat, averaging 27 points for the season. He was indispensable to Miami’s devastating 4-1 victory over Oklahoma City in the Finals.He was voted the MVP of the 2011-12 NBA (third time in the last 4 years) season alongside the NBA Finals MVP.He then claimed a second consecutive Olympic gold with the American basketball team at London 2012.

Michael Phelps (Swimming)

The swimming great grew in stature in the London Olympics. He achieved the unbelievable feat to finish to his career winning most number of gold medals than anyone in all Olympics put together.

James Willstrop (Squash)

England’s most successful junior player of all time, fulfilled his spectacular promise as a PSA World Tour player by earning the world number one ranking in January 2012 after a sensational three-tournament victory run at the end of 2011.