Olympic all-round gymnastics champion Nastia Liukin was named Sportswoman of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation yesterday.

Nastia Liukin of the United States performs on the balance beam during gymnastics artistic women's individual all-round final of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China, Aug. 15, 2008.

Liukin, who won five Olympic medals in Beijing with her elegant routines, joined a list of former winners including golfer Annika Sorenstam, figure skater Michelle Kwan, track athlete Gail Devers and speed skater Bonnie Blair.

"Honestly, I can't believe I'm one of those on that list," the American gymnast told reporters.

"They are just phenomenal athletes. I would've never dreamed of anything like that. It's just amazing to be here."

Liukin said she has been on a whirlwind schedule since Beijing, performing in a US gymnastics tour, designing a fashion line and getting ready to act in an episode of the hit US television show, "Gossip Girl."

Liukin, who turns 19 this month, will resume training in January with a view towards competing in front of her home fans in Dallas in August and at the world championships in London in October.

"That's what my next big goal is," said Liukin.

"2012 is four years away, so it's hard to say as far as what I'm doing," she said about the possibility of defending her Olympic title in London.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily October 15, 2008)