Phelps and Felix win top US Olympic athlete awards

NEW YORK - Michael Phelps and Allyson Felix were named as the United States Olympic Committee's (USOC) best athletes for 2011-12 on Monday for their gold-medal performances at the London Olympics.

Michael Phelps of the US celebrates with his trophy awarded to him by FINA honouring him as the most decorated Olympian of all time, after winning the men's 4x100m medley relay final during the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Center, Aug 4, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Phelps won the male athlete of the year award for the third time after the swimmer captured four gold medals in London to finish his career with an unprecedented tally of 18 golds, twice as many as the next best from any Olympic sport.

Felix won the women's award after scooping winning gold in the 200 meters sprint and the 4x100m and 4x400m relays on the running track.

The women's rowing eight crew won the team award while swimmer Jessica Long and wheelchair racer Raymond Martin won the top individual paralympic awards and the men's quad doubles wheelchair tennis pairing won the paralympic team award.

"We are so proud to honor these young men and women who represent the finest ambassadors of sport, Team USA and the Olympic Movement," USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun said in a statement.

"Through their commitment to excellence on and off the field, these athletes represent our country with incredible grace and composure, and their outstanding achievements are an inspiration to all Americans."

London 2012 Olympics gold medallist runner Allyson Felix arrives at the 2012 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Sept 15, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]