Lloyd was integral to the American side clinching their third FIFA Women’s World Cup title, becoming the first woman to hit a hat-trick in the final to help her team to a comfortable 5-2 win over Japan.

The 33-year-old’s third goal was arguably the best-ever scored in the tournament’s showpiece contest as she found the net from just inside her own half with a brilliantly-executed effort that flew over the head of Japanese goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori.

Her first, scored after just two minutes and 35 seconds, is the quickest goal to be scored in a Women’s World Cup final and she ended up joint-top scorer at the tournament on six goals along with Germany striker Célia Šašić.

The victory for the American team saw them become the first nation to claim three Women’s World Cup crowns as well as the only side to have scored five times in the final.

The win against the Japanese, who beat them on penalties at the 2011 World Cup in Germany, also saw the US return to the top  of the FIFA rankings.

Artistic gymnast Sam Mikulak claimed the best male prize for his stunning performances at the Pan American Games in Toronto, where he won four medals, including two golds.

He was part of the American outfit who topped the podium in the men’s team competition, posting the highest score of any of his country’s gymnasts with 89.850.

The 22-year-old then went on to make history in the men’s individual all-around event as his gold was the first  the US have won in the discipline since the Pan American Games in 1987 with a score of 89.650.

As well as his two titles, Mikulak also took home bronze in the parallel bars by recording 15.450 and the floor exercise competition thanks to a score of 14.925.

Sponsored by Dow with additional support by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Kellogg’s, Samsung and USG, each National Governing body chose one female, one male and one team per discipline, before an internal nominating committee selected five male and female nominees and three team contenders.

This shortlist was then voted upon by governing body representatives and members of the media, as well as by fans who submitted votes online via the Team USA website.


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