Chan, Nesbitt win Canadian Sports Awards

THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA -- Figure skater Patrick Chan and speedskater Christine Nesbitt won the Canadian Sport Awards on Tuesday as the country's best athletes of 2011.

The Canadian Sport Awards are handed out annually by the True Sport Foundation.

"These winners, along with all finalists and nominees, have earned the praise of all Canadians through their immense talent, ongoing commitment and unwavering dedication to Canadian sport," said Peter Leyser, executive director of the True Sport Foundation in a statement.

The 21-year-old Chan, from Toronto, beat out downhill skier Erik Guay of Mont-Tremblant, Que., and kayaker Adam Van Koeverden of Oakville, Ont., for best male athlete.

Chan is the reigning ISU World Figure Skating Champion and ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final gold medallist. Chan also won gold at both of his assignments on the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating circuit in 2011, adding to his undefeated season.

The award adds to Chan's impressive haul in 2011. He has already received several honours including the Canadian Press' Lionel Conacher Award for male athlete of the year.

The 26-year-old Nesbitt of London, Ont., won the female athlete of the year award.

Freestyle skier Jennifer Heil of Spruce Grove, Alta., and cyclist Catharine Pendrel of Kamloops, B.C., were the runners-up for the honour.

Nesbitt also had a remarkable 2011, reaching personal bests in the 500-metre, 3000-metre events and winning a world sprint championship.

She earned several accolades including the Catriona Le May Doan trophy as Speedskating Canada's female long-track speedskater of the year.

Cross-country skier Alex Harvey of St-Ferreol-les-Neiges, Que., was named the junior athlete of the year.