73 athletes, representing 26 events, were nominated, with the top six positions secured by sportswomen. Swimmer Alexandra Gerasimenya earned the greatest number of points, having won the prestigious 100m freestyle at the World Championships in Shanghai — a true sensation. Meanwhile, weightlifter Anastasia Novikova — a world champion — came second, followed by biathlete Darya Domracheva. Greco Roman wrestler Alim Selimov topped the men, having earned his second gold at the World Championships in Turkish Istanbul. He was returning after a long break due to injury. He was neighboured by freestyle wrestler Alexey Shemarov, who became the world champion in Istanbul in the under 120kg category.
The men’s sabre fencing team won the ‘Best Non-Playing Team’ nomination, rewarded for their sensational silver medal at the World Championship. They beat the national canoe and kayak crew (often a favourite with journalists), despite their eight World Championship medals.
