Following a worldwide public ballot Nastia has been voted the United States Sports Academy's 2008 Female Athlete of the Year. Olympic gold medalists claimed the top three spots in both the male and female categories with Nastia finishing ahead of diver Guo Jinjing (China) and tennis player Serena Williams (USA). In the men's ballot Michael Phelps (USA) edged Rodger Federer (Switzerland) and Usain Bolt (Jamaica).

The United States Sports Academy Athlete of the Year award is the culmination of the Academy's year long Athlete of the Month program, which recognizes the accomplishments of men and women in sports around the world. The Academy's Athlete of the Month is selected by an international voting committee of former athletes, media, sports organizations and governing bodies. Thank you to everyone who voted for Nastia.