The 26-year-old from Minnesota was one of the stars at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics where she picked a pair of medals, winning gold in the downhill and bronze in the super G.

Vonn also claimed her third consecutive World Cup overall and downhill titles, second consecutive super G title, and the super-combined title.

She said she was delighted to win the USOC award for the second time in succession.

"The 2010 Olympic season was incredible, but what made it so special is that I was able to share it with so many American fans," said Vonn.

"It was amazing to see the support and excitement they showed for ski racing and that's definitely carried into this winter.

"It means so much to the athletes to hear from them.

"Win or crash, they keep us excited to compete."



Figure skater Evan Lysacek (pictured) claimed the 2010 Sports Man of the Year after the 25-year-old from Illinois won gold in Vancouver, becoming the first American men's figure skating champion since Brian Boitano in 1988 and defeating reigning Olympic champion Evgeni Plushenko to end Russia's dominance.

Lysacek also won silver at the 2010 AT&T US Figure Skating Championships and went on to compete in ABC's Dancing with the Stars, finishing runner-up with partner Anna Trebunskaya.

"I was truly honoured to represent the United States in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games," Lysacek said.

"Thank you to the USOC for all of their support throughout my career.

"I am extremely proud to receive this prestigious award and humbled to see my name next to the incredible list of past recipients."

Meanwhile, the USA 1 four-man bobsled team won the 2010 Team of the Year for the second year running.

Nicknamed the "Night Train," the team won gold at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games to break a 62-year medal drought.

Pilot Steven Holcomb, along with Justin Olsen, Steve Mesler and Curt Tomasevicz, notched the first Olympic bobsled win for a US sled since 1948.

The team also claimed the 2010 World Cup title after winning gold in Lake Placid, gold in Cesana, Italy, silver in Altenberg, Germany and silver in Koenigssee, Germany.

"It's such an honour to win Team of the Year, especially this year, an Olympic year, when all the teams are at their absolute best - I'm sure it wasn't an easy choice," Holcomb said.

"Winning two years in a row is even more amazing.

"Not only did we have a great year from January to March, but we changed the team and continued our winning.

"As US Olympic athletes we make sacrifices in so many aspects of our lives, and put everything we have into our sports hoping that in four years we might have a medal to show for it.

"So while winning an Olympic gold medal proves that we were the best, having the USOC recognise and acknowledge our hard work and accomplishments adds the final touch, the icing on the cake, to an incredible year."

USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun: "All of these athletes represent the best in Olympic sport for Team USA.

"Their excellence on the field of play is matched by their positive influence in their communities and across our country.

"Their personal achievements last year and throughout their careers are remarkable, and I am thankful that we have such outstanding ambassadors of excellence."

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