7. LeBron James (male, basketball)

Yearender: World's top 10 athletes in 2012

The 28-year-old "King James" led Miami Heat to their second NBA title in franchise history, winning his first overall in 2012. Following up on his regular-season Most Valuable Player nod, James averaged 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists in the Finals and was named Finals MVP.[Photo/Agencies]