Xinhua select Top 10 world athletes in 2005
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-01-03 09:27

7. Maria Sharapova (Russia)

First waman emerging from the star-studded Russian pack to climb onto the top of the world tennis rankings.

8. Kenenisa Bekele (Ethiopia)

Winner of the IAAF Men’s Athlete of the Year award, whose season of 2005 has been remarkable in any circumstances, defending the 10,000-meter gold at the Helsinki world championships, and breaking his own world record in Brussels.

9. Justin Gatlin (United States)

Fastest man in the world in 2005, taking both the 100-meter and 200-meter sprint gold medals at the world athletics championships in Helsinki in August.

10. Lindsay Davenport (United States)

Season-ending world No. 1 female player in world tennis, winning six of her totally 10 finals of WTA singles Tour in 2005, including the Grand Slam tournaments of Australian Open and Wimbledon.