According to the Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) website Yelena Isinbayeva, Yekaterina Koneva and Svetlana Shkolina were nominated for the best female athletes in Russia. The top three was determined by online poll held on ARAF website and federation's page in Facebook. The winner will be announced on December 3 after summary conference of ARAF.

      Voting results on ARAF's website and federation's page in Facebook as well as voices of conference delegates from all Russian regions will be considered when determining the best athlete.

      Isinbayeva, the two-time Olympic champion in pole-vaulting, conquered the height of 4 meters 89 cm at the World Athletics Championship in Moscow, for the third time winning the title of planet's strongest. According to annual results, the Russian champion has entered the top three athletes of Europe. Isinbayeva was named Female Athlete of the Year by the IAAF in 2004, 2005 and 2008, and World Sportswoman of the Year by Laureus in 2007 and 2009. She was given the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports in 2009. She is one of only nine athletes to win world championships at the youth, junior, and senior level of an athletic event.

      Koneva (triple jump) won silver at the European team championship and then she won the Universiade in Kazan (14.82 meters) setting the competition's record and gaining a new personal achievement. Ekaterina Koneva won a silver medal at the World Athletics Championships in Moscow.

      Shkolina, 2012 Olympics high jump bronze medalist, has never suffered defeat in this year. At the World Championships in Moscow Shkolina won with season's best result in the world – 2.03 meters. She also became the winner of Diamond League's overall standings and was nominated by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for the Athlete of the Year.