Outstanding performances by New Zealanders on the world stage during the year resulted in 51 nominations being considered for the 2007 Westpac Halberg Awards.
The awards, organised by the Halberg Trust, salute outstanding achievement by New Zealanders in sport both at home and abroad.
The winners will beannounced in Christchurch on February 19.
There were 18 nominations for the sportsman category, 12 for sportswoman, 11 teams and 10 nominations for coach of the year.
The category finalists will not be announced until early next month so late performances by individual athletes or teams during 2007 can be considered by the Academy.
Last year's awards attracted a record 73 nominations across the four categories.
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Tom Ashley (windsurfing), Brad Butterworth (yachting), Moss Burmester (swimming), Josh Coppins (motocross), Scott Dixon (motor racing), Bevan Docherty (triathlon), Mahe Drysdale (rowing), Kris Gemmell (triathlon), Duncan Grant (rowing), Tony Grantham (bowls), Michael Johnson (para-athlete, shooting), Jonny Reid (motorsport), Hayden Roulston (cycling), Daniel Sharp (para-athlete, swimming), Dan Slater (yachting), Liam Watson (underwater hockey), Tim Wilkinson (golf), Jonathan Wyatt (mountain running).
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Nicole Begg (speed skating), Barbara Kendall (wind-surfing), Joanna Lawn (triathlon), Sofie Pascoe (para-athlete, swimming), Katherine Prumm (motocross), Kimberley Smith (athletics), Debbie Tanner (triathlon), Paula Tesoriero (para-athlete, cycling), Valerie Vili (athletics), Sarah Walker (BMX cycling), Casey Williams (netball), Sam Warriner (triathlon).
SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR
Georgina & Caroline Evers-Swindell (rowing), George Bridgewater & Nathan Twaddle (rowing), men's coxless four (rowing), Nina & Lisa Daniels (synchronised swimming), Black Caps (cricket), Silver Ferns (netball), NZ Men's Underwater Hockey, Auckland rugby team, Team New Zealand (yachting), Black Sticks (women's hockey), Warriors (league).
COACH OF THE YEAR
Andrew Carr (underwater hockey), Robyn Broughton (netball), Grant Dalton (yachting), Calvin Ferguson (rowing), Kirsten Hellier (athletics), Pat Lam (rugby), Shane McLeod (hockey), Chris Nilsson (rowing), Gordon Tietjens (rugby sevens), Kevin Towns (hockey).
