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Best Of 2012
Best Local Athlete
Cullen Jones
Staff Pick
He may not have brought home a second Olympic gold medal this year, but we still believe Cullen Jones is the best swimmer in the world. Besides, he did bring home his second silver. In 2008, the former N.C. State University English major and swim team star became the second African American to win a gold medal in swimming. Jones' website touts him an "ambassador for African-American swimmers" who has smashed stereotypes and is "eager to spread his message that, yeah, black kids can swim, too." We love him for that. But he's not the only Charlotte-area athlete to compete at the London games this year: the Queen City was also represented by kayackers, wrestlers, other swimmers and more.
Previous Winners
- 2015 Best Local Athlete - Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
- 2014 Best Local Athlete - Cam Newton
- 2013 Best Local Athlete - Cam Newton
- 2012 Best Local Athlete - Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
- 2011 BEST LOCAL ATHLETE - CAM NEWTON, CAROLINA PANTHERS
- 2011 BEST LOCAL ATHLETE - STEVE SMITH, CAROLINA PANTHERS
- 2010 BEST LOCAL ATHLETE - Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
- 2010 BEST LOCAL ATHLETE - GERALD WALLACE, CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
- 2009 BEST LOCAL ATHLETE - Charlotte Roller Girls
- 2009 BEST LOCAL ATHLETE - Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
- 2008 BEST LOCAL ATHLETE - Carolina Panther Steve Smith
- 2007 Best Local Athlete - Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
- 2007 Best Local Athlete - Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
- 2006 Best Local Athlete - Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
