In 2020 the two categories were merged due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to the international and national sporting calendars.
Skier Kristina Šmigun-Vähi is the second-most decorated winner, having been chosen as Female Athlete of the Year on eight occasions.
Of male athletes, the most successful are weightlifter Jaan Talts, cyclist Aavo Pikkuus, and skier Andrus Veerpalu, each with five wins.
[5] Chess player Paul Keres is the oldest person to be recognised as Athlete of the Year, winning his third award in 1962 at the age of 46.
[6] Three members of the same family have each won Athlete of the Year: Ulvi Voog-Indrikson in 1957, her daughter Kaire Indrikson in 1977, and her granddaughter Triin Aljand in 2011 and 2012.
Cyclist
Erika Salumäe
(pictured in 2009) won Athlete of the Year a record nine times between 1983 and 1996
Chess player
Paul Keres
(pictured in 1969) was awarded Athlete of the Year twice, in 1959 and 1962, following his pre-war win in 1937
Weightlifter
Jaan Talts
(pictured in 1972) was a five-time Athlete of the Year winner between 1967 and 1972
Cyclist
Aavo Pikkuus
(pictured in 1977) was named the men's Athlete of the Year five times consecutively from 1974 to 1978
Rower
Jüri Jaanson
(pictured in 2015) was voted male Athlete of the Year three times between 1990 and 2004
Cross-country skier
Kristina Šmigun-Vähi
(pictured in 2006) was named the women's Athlete of the Year eight times between 1997 and 2010
Fencer
Julia Beljajeva
(pictured in 2013) was selected as the female Athlete of the Year in 2013 and 2017
