The USA! USA! of Blogs

The United States Olympic Committee announced its athletes of the year Friday, including female, male and team.

SportsWoman

Lindsey Vonn, Alpine Skier

Lindsey Vonn was named female athlete of the year for her accomplishments in 2009, which included overall champion of the 2008-2009 World Cup season, overall titles in the downhill and super G. Vonn recorded a U.S. record nine World Cup wins in a single season. She surpassed Tamara McKinney's records for the most World Cup victories (19) and World Cup podium finishes (45). She took gold medals in the downhill and super G at the 2009 FIS World Championships in Val d'Isere, France. She also took Gold today in the Super G in the Alps.

"This past year has been amazing and because of that, it's been so cool to see how many people are getting excited about alpine skiing." Vonn said.  "Regardless of whether I win a race or crash, I get so many notes of encouragement from fans. That says something special about the Olympic spirit. It isn't something that lives in just the athletes; it also lives in everyone who supports what we love."

SportsMan

Todd Lodwick, Nordic Combined Skier

Lodwick returned from a two-year hiatus and won two gold medals at the 2009 FIS World Championships in Liberec, Czech Republic, two silver medals in Oberhof, Germany, his first World Cup since 2006 and his success mirrors that of his team. Team USA won four medals in its most successful World Championships ever.

"It's humbling to be recognized amongst my Olympic peers," Lodwick said. "I'm especially proud to receive this honor on behalf of my sport. So many people have supported us for so many years that it's heart warming to know that our sport and my accomplishments, and those of my teammates, are meaningful."

SportsTeam

Steven Holcomb's Four-Man Bobsled Team

Known as "The Night Train" the team won the 2009 FIBT World Championship in Lake Placid, N.Y., ending a 50-year World Championship medal drought for the U.S. The Night Train also placed fourth overall for the 2008-2009 World Cup season, including two gold medals, two silver medals and a bronze. The other three members of the team are Justin Olsen (San Antonio, Texas), Steve Mesler (Buffalo, N.Y.) and Curt Tomasevicz (Shelby, Neb.).

"There are a lot of great athletes and great teams out there and to be seen as the best is a wonderful feeling. I know my team has worked really hard not only in the winter season, but during the summer and this will mean a lot to all of us" Holcomb said.