Michael Phelps and Lindsey Vonn Amongst the List of Legends Nominated for Induction in 2022 Hall of Fame

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame are back. It marks the second induction into the Hall of Fame after the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) revived the tradition with a class in 2019. The committee has selected 15 finalists for the Olympic category this year. Moreover, the Olympics nominee list includes prominent athletes like Michael Phelps, Lindsey Vonn, and Natalie Coughlin.

Michael Phelps, Lindsey Vonn among finalists

With 28 Olympic medals, of which 23 are gold, Phelps is the most accomplished athlete on the list. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, he won all of the eight events he competed in, breaking World Records in seven of them. It makes him the only athlete to achieve such a feat.

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Another notable athlete on the list of nominees is Lindsey Vonn. The four-time Olympian has three Olympic medals, including one gold, to add to her accomplishments.

Besides Phelps, three-time Olympian Coughlin is the only other swimmer on the list. And with 12 Olympic medals, including three gold, her contribution to the sport is as remarkable as it gets.

During the announcement, committee CEO, Sarah Hirshland said, “On behalf of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, it is an honor to unveil the finalists for induction into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, Class of 2022.”

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Applauding the achievements of each finalist, U.S. Olympians & Paralympians Association president Caryn Davies said, “These finalists represent the larger body of Team USA athletes, and we thank them for their commitment to sport and inspiring the next generation of athletes.”

Other Olympians in the list of nominees

Other finalists included on the list are Kristin Armstrong (Cycling), Shani Davis (Speedskating), Cammi Granato (Hockey), Mia Hamm (Soccer), Kayla Harrison (Judo), Michelle Kwan (Figure Skating), Eleanor ‘Elle’ Logan (Rowing), Julia Mancuso (Alpine Skiing), Bode Miller (Alpine Skiing), John Smith (Wrestling), Dawn Staley (Basketball), and Brenda Villa (Water Polo).

Apart from the 15 Olympians, the committee has also announced the nominees for other categories. These include nine Paralympians, three Olympic and two Paralympic teams, six legends, three coaches, and three special contributors in sports. The lines are open to the public, and people can cast their votes till May 16. Although a biennial event, the Class of 2022 is the first Hall of Fame event in three years.

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Additionally, Olympians, Paralympians, USOPC members, and a select few media personnel will also vote for the legend, coach, and special contributor categories.

The committee shortlists inductees for the Hall of Fame based on votes. Accordingly, they will finalize the names of five Olympians, three Paralympians, one Olympic team, and one Paralympic team for the Class of 2022 Hall of Fame. In addition, this year marks the separation of the team categories for the first time in history.