Havana - With less than one week left to reveal the results of Prensa Latina Sports Survey, Venezuelans Yulimar Rojas and José Altuve stand out today as virtual winners of the Best Athlete of the Year awards.

The 21-year-old triple jumper accumulates the maximum number of votes among the ladies, since her gold medal at the last World Athletics Championships in London, the first of its kind for her country, earned her 41 nominations so far.

Well behind in second place comes her rival and current defender of this prize, also a triple jumper Colombian Catherine Ibargüen, with only nine votes.

The second base of the Houston Astros commands the masculine category, thanks to his excellent results in the past season at the Major Baseball League, in which he led the Houston Astros to win the World Series and was named MVP of the American League. So far, he has received 25 votes until this Tuesday.

Argentine star Lionel Messi follows him with 11 votes, although it will be very difficult for him to score at least 15 more in the remaining time.

Prensa Latina every year awards Latin America and Caribbean best athletes chosen by votes of other media outlets.

By team, it seems that there will be no rival that dethrones the Brazilian soccer team, owner of 30 nominations.

The 'verdeamarela' should not have difficulties to take a new distinction as Best Team since its closest pursuers is Brazil's women volleyball team has 14 votes and the Panamanian soccer team, 11.

Voting for Latin American Bests will be opened until next December 18 in the three categories. Media choices can be sent through e-mail: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está protegida contra spambots. Usted necesita tener Javascript activado para poder verla..