By David Gold
December 25 – American star Abby Wambach has become the first footballer to win the Associated Press Athlete of the Year prize after her performances at the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany.
Wambach struck four times, including a goal in the last minute of stoppage time at the end of extra time against Brazil in the quarter finals.
With the United States 2-1 down, she scored with a header to send the game into penalties, from which they won 5-3.
Despite her heroics, the USA eventually lost on penalties in the final to Japan, though she scored in extra time of that game and was the only American to score her penalty in the subsequent shoot out.
Wambach received 65 of the 214 votes cast by American members of the Associated Press, with team mate Hope Solo in second and Minnesota Lynx basketball star Maya Moore third.
She is the first footballer either male or female to win the award in its 80 year history, and Wambach was honoured to receive the award.
“I’m not a person who cares much about awards but I really appreciate you guys recognising this team,” she said.
“It helps keep this sport alive, and it’s really important.”
Wambach now has her sights set on helping the USA qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games to defend the gold medal they won in Beijing in 2008.
Before that though, she could be honoured with the Ballon D’Or when the winner of the award is announced next month.
She is up against Brazil’s Marta, who has won the award for five years in a row, and Japan’s Homare Sawa.
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