Russian sportsmen Ilya Zakharov and Natalia Ishchenko were recognized best sportsmen of 2012 according to FINA (the Federation International de Natation). 202 national federations, mass media representatives and experts took part in the voting.

The diver Ilya Zakharov is 2012 Olympic champion in 3m springboard and silver medallist in 3m springboard synchro. Synchronized swimmer  Natalia Ishchenko is 2012 Olympic champion in Duet and Team.  

FINA is the international governing body of swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming and open water swimming.

The best swimmers in swimming - Men: Michael Phelps (USA), Women: Missy Franklin (USA); Diving - Women: Wu Minxia (CHN);  Water polo: Men: Josip Pavic (CRO), Women: Maggie Steffens (USA); Open water: Men: Oussama Mellouli (TUN); Women: Eva Risztov (HUN).