5 Sep 2016

Ko in line for top international award

11:19 am on 5 September 2016

New Zealand's world golf number one Lydia Ko has been named as a finalist for the American Women's Sports Foundation's Sportswoman of the Year Awards.

Ko is one of ten finalists along with a number of Rio Olympic stars.

Lydia Ko has become New Zealand's youngest female medal winner at an Olympic Games.

Lydia Ko is among an illustrious field for the American Women's Sports Foundation's Sportswoman of the Year Awards. Photo: Photosport

They include American gymnast Simone Biles, American swimmer Katie Ledecky, Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson and American tennis legend Serena Williams.

US gymnast Simone Biles celebrates on the podium of the women's floor event final of the Artistic Gymnastics at the Olympic Arena during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 16, 2016.

Simone Biles Photo: AFP

Founded in 1974 by tennis legend, Billie Jean King, the Women's Sports Foundation is dedicated to creating leaders by ensuring all girls access to sports.

Finalists were selected based on athletic performances between August 2015 and August this year.

US swimmer Katie Ledecky celebrates breaking her own world record for the women's 400m freestyle at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on 8 August 2016 (NZT).

Katie Ledecky Photo: AFP

Ko won two major golf titles during that time.

The public and the Women's Sports Foundation's Awards Committee select the award winners by a 50-50 vote.

Serena Williams won the individual award last year.

Serena Williams is one win away from playing her sister Venus in the final at Wimbledon for the fifth time.

Serena Williams Photo: Photosport

The winner will be announced on October 19th.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs

We have regular online commentary of local and international sport.