LEN, or the Ligue Europeenne de Natation, has shortlisted the top contenders for European Swimmer of the Year award that will be announced on November 15th.
The awards are voted on by each of the member federations (LEN says that 17 out of the 51 federations, exactly one-third, have yet to return their ballots. Members of the media and other LEN officials also vote on the awards.
The candidates listed below are simply the shortlist of favorites, though voters are free to write in whomever they choose.
My personal choice for the men would be Camille Lacourt as one of only two Europeans to earn multiple individual medals – the other, Fabio Scozzoli, didn’t even make the shortlist despite two National breaststroke records for two silver medals at World’s. Norway’s Alexander Dale Oen will be the sentimental favorite given his gutsy performance in the 100 breaststroke shortly after the tragic attacks in Oslo. Stravius, as the only relay swimmer on the shortlist, could also make a case in terms of his value to his National Team program.
For the women, the choice seems more obvious to be Federica Pellegrini. Despite more out-of-the-pool drama this year, she was both dominant and exciting in Shanghai en route to two World Championships.
SWIMMING
Men
Alexander Dale Oen (NOR)
World Champion (100m breast)
Daniel Gyurta (HUN)
World Champion (200m breast)
Camille Lacourt (FRA)
World Champion (100m back), silver medallist (50m back)
Jeremy Stravius (FRA)
World Champion (100m back), silver medallist (4x100m free relay, 4x200m free relay)
Liam Tancock (GBR)
World Champion (50m back)
Women
Rebecca Adlington (GBR)
World Champion (800m free), silver medallist (400m free)
Therese Alshammar (SWE)
World Champion (50m free), silver medallist (50m fly)
Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED)
World Champion (4x100m free), silver medallist (50m free), bronze medallist (100m free)
Federica Pellegrini (ITA)
World Champion (200m free, 400m free)
Anastasia Zueva (RUS)
World Champion (50m back), silver medallist (100m back)