Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year 2014: The Analysis

March 8, 2014

The list of achievements from this year’s Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Nominees is, once again, incredible.

The sportswomen who made the shortlist boast an incredible number of gold medals, championship victories and standout performances that all make them worthy of the coveted Laureus Statuette on March 26.

But who gets your vote?

Here’s the first part of our detailed analysis of the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Nominees and their achievements in 2013 for you to help with your choice.

Be sure to let us know what you think on Twitter and Facebook.

NADINE ANGERER (Germany) Football

Earlier this year, Nadine Angerer was stood side by side with the world’s most famous footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. She had just been named FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Award. It was the first time a goalkeeper had won the award.

As captain of the German Women’s Football Team, she had guided her country to their sixth straight European Championship victory in 2013. Angerer, who plays for Portland Thorns in the US National Women's Soccer League, saved two penalties in the final in Stockholm where Germany beat Norway 1-0.

MISSY FRANKLIN (United States) Swimming

American teenager Missy Franklin was the sensation of the World Championships in Barcelona, becoming the first woman in history to win six gold medals at a single World Championships – three individual and three relay - at the age of just 18.

This followed her performance in the London Olympics where she won four gold medals. She currently holds the world record for 200 metres backstroke. She continues to refuse prize money and endorsements so that she can maintain her amateur status in college.

SHELLY-ANN FRASER-PRYCE (Jamaica) Athletics

Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce established herself as the outstanding female sprinter of her generation with three gold medals at 100 and 200 metres and the 4x100 metres relay in Moscow. She was the first female to achieve this in a single World Championships. Her 100 metres time of 10.71 secs was the fastest of the year. This success followed her Olympic 100 metres gold medals in 2008 and 2012 and the 100 metres gold in the 2009 World Championships. In November she was named IAAF Female World Athlete of the Year.