6.  Li Yanfeng (athletics)

The 32-year-old won the women's discus event with a throw of 66.52 meters in the World Athletics Championships in August and triumphed in the Brussels Diamond League in September.

7.  Wu Minxia (diving)

The 26-year-old won the women's 3m springboard title at the 14th FINA World Championships in July. She was also awarded as the 2011 FINA Best Female Diver in December.

8.  Li Na (fencing)

The 30-year-old won the women's epee final at the World Fencing Championships in October.

9. Chen Yibing (gymnastics)

The 27-year-old led China to the men's team title in the World Gymnastics Championships in which he also won the rings gold.

10. Liu Xiang (athletics)

The 28-year-old hurdler recovered from injuries to clock an impressive time of 13.00 seconds at the Prefontaine Diamond League meeting and later took a silver medal in the World Athletics Championships.