Phelps, Ledecky Among Finalists For Team USA Best of the Games Awards

USA swimmers Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky have been named as finalists for the Team USA’s Best of the Games Awards following their standout performances at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Swimming fans can cast their votes for Phelps and Ledecky, as well as 8 other Team USA favorites, until September 6th. To submit your votes, click here.

Ledecky will be in contention for female athlete of the Games with Claressa Shields (boxing), Helen Maroulis (wrestling), Gwen Jorgensen (triathlon), and Simone Biles (gymnastics). Phelps, on the other hand, was named as a finalist alongside Carmelo Anthony (basketball), Connor Fields (BMX), Kyle Snyder (wrestling), and Matt Centrowitz (track and field).

In Rio, Ledecky hauled in five medals, which included four golds and one silver. On the way to two of her wins, she shattered her own World Records in the 400 and 800 freestyles. Ledecky’s four golds in a single Olympics ties her for 2nd all-time among female athletes at an Olympics, and she’s now the 2nd swimmer ever to sweep the 200 through 800 freestyles at a single Games.

Competing in his final Olympic Games, Phelps racked up his career gold medal total to 23. In Rio, he swam to five gold medals and one silver medal, giving him a total that led all athletes across all nations and sports for a 4th straight Olympics. His run also established him as having the most career individual gold medals of any Olympian.