The 2009 ESPYs (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards) were crawling with athletes and celebrities alike, but it was the female athletes who stole the show. From tennis to golf to race car driving, these women bring the heat, on and off the playing field.
Dara Torres
At 42, swimmer Dara Torres is in the best shape of her life. Competing in her first Olympic Games in 1984, Torres has won four Olympic golds. At the 2008 Games, she brought home three silver medals, making her the oldest Olympic swimming medalist in history.
Danica Patrick
A force to be reckoned with in a male-dominated sport, race car driver Danica Patrick continues to break new ground. In 2009, she finished third at the Indianapolis 500, the best finish by a female ever.
Bethanie Mattek
At 23 years old, Bethanie Mattek is the number 4 singles player in the U.S., behind the Williams sisters and Lindsay Davenport.
Venus Williams
Four-time Wimbledon and two-time US Open champion, Venus Williams has a lot to be proud of, despite losing the Wimbledon title to her sister, Serena in 2009. She is also a three-time Olympic gold medalist, with her most recent win from the 2008 Games, where she won gold in doubles with her sister.
Serena Williams
Winner of the Best Female Tennis Player Award, Serena recently became the 2009 Wimbledon champion, claiming the title from her sister, Venus, after beating her in the finals. She also boasts eight career Grand-Slam titles, and two Olympic gold medals.
Nastia Liukin
Nastia took home the 2009 Female Athlete of the Year Award, and for good reason. At just 18 years old, the young gymnast was the All Around Champion at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Additionally, she is a five-time Olympic medalist and a four-time world champion.
Michelle Kwan
Often referred to as one of the best figure skaters in history, Michelle Kwan is the most decorated U.S. figure skater, and has won five world championships and two Olympic medals, among many other titles.
Natalie Gulbis
Golfing professionally since she was 18 years old, Natalie Gulbis won the Evian Masters in 2007. She is currently on the LPGA Tour.
The 2009 ESPYs (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards) were crawling with athletes and celebrities alike, but it was the female athletes who stole the show. From tennis to golf to race car driving, these women bring the heat, on and off the playing field.
