Federal Way’s J.R. Celski nominated for USSA’s Male Athlete of the Year

Federal Way native J.R. Celski is up for the United States Sports Academy’s Male Athlete of the Year award. The short track speedster is up for the award after winning the Sports Academy’s athlete of the month in October.

December 6, 2012 6:14 pm
Federal Way's J.R. Celsi has been nominated for the United States Sports Academy’s Male Athlete of the Year award. The short track speedster is up for the award after winning the Sports Academy’s athlete of the month in October.
Federal Way's J.R. Celsi has been nominated for the United States Sports Academy’s Male Athlete of the Year award. The short track speedster is up for the award after winning the Sports Academy’s athlete of the month in October.

Federal Way native J.R. Celski is up for the United States Sports Academy’s Male Athlete of the Year award. The short track speedster is up for the award after winning the Sports Academy’s athlete of the month in October.

Other nominees are tennis player Novak Dokovic, LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Rory McIlroy, Miguel Cabrera, track and field’s Ashton Eaton, cyclist Bradley Wiggins, Usain Bolt, tennis player Andy Murray, Michael Phelps and Drew Brees.

Celski became the first and only short track speedster to break the 40-second barrier in the 500 meters. The 22-year-old set a world record of 39.973 in a World Cup final in Calgary in October.

To vote for the award, go to www.ussa.edu/ballots/athlete-of-the-year.