Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis is among the three finalists shortlisted for the 2012 World Female Athlete of the Year.
The 26-year-old, who won gold in front of her home crowd at this year's London Games, is in contention for the award alongside American sprinter Allyson Felix and New Zealand shot putter Valerie Adams.
Felix was a double Olympic champion with victories in the 200m and 4x400m relay, while 2008 Olympic champion Adams claimed a second successive gold.
The shortlist for the men's award was announced on Monday, with Usain Bolt, Aries Merritt and David Rudisha in contention.
The winners of both categories will be announced on November 24 in Barcelona.