World champion Tyson Gay (L) of the U.S. gestures after receiving the "World Athlete of the Year" award during the annual global awards night for athletics in Monte Carlo Nov. 25, 2007. Sprinter Tyson Gay and swimmer Katie Hoff have been selected as the 2007 United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Sportsman and Sportswoman. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Sprinter Tyson Gay and swimmer Katie Hoff have been selected as the 2007 United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Sportsman and Sportswoman, according to a USOC press release reaching here Thursday.

    Wheelchair track and field athlete Jessica Galli and the U.S. Women's World Championships Gymnastics Team captured the USOC 2007 Paralympian and Team of the Year, respectively.

    "As Team USA enters its final preparations for the Olympic Games in Beijing, we have seen outstanding achievements from many of our athletes this past year. And these individuals have truly demonstrated the strength and character of our athletes who will represent the United States in China," said USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr.

Swimmer Katie Hoff of the United States speaks alongside the United States team head coach Mark Schubert during a news conference at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Victoria, Canada, Aug. 16, 2006. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Tyson Gay distinguished himself as the world outdoor champion in the 100, 200 and 4x100 meters, becoming only the fourth man in world championship history to win three gold medals at a single championship. With a time of 19.76 in the 200 meters, he set a new world championship record. He also set U.S. championship records in the 100 and 200 meters.

    Katie Hoff, USOC sportswoman winner in 2005, kicked off her appearance at Worlds in March with her first individual world record and a gold medal in the 400-meter individual medley. She also anchored the world record-setting 800-meter free relay team in Melbourne and collected her third gold in the 200-meter individual medley. In July, Hoff added three national titles to her list of 2007 accomplishments. She now holds nine career national titles.

    The annual award started to present in 1974. This year's recipients were selected by Jim Scherr and the USOC's chief of sport performance and chief communications officer.