Wiggins (pictured top), 32, became Britain's first winner of cycling's greatest race, held over 2,100 miles across three weeks, with his runaway success ending a 75-year drought for his country.

Williams, at the age of 30, fired down a tournament-record 102 aces on her way to winning a fifth  Wimbledon singles tennis crown, and 14th major title overall, by beating Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 6-1, 5-7, 6-2.

The American and sister Venus added their fifth Wimbledon doubles championship for good measure.

Serena Williams on her way to winning a fifth Wimbledon singles title

Finishing second in the men's category for the second consecutive month was American swimmer Michael Phelps, who became the most decorated Olympian in history by claiming his 19th medal at London 2012, while NASCAR racing driver Jimmie Johnson, who won the Brickyard 400, third.

The runner-up in the women's ballot was 17-year-old Missy Franklin, who won her first individual gold medal in the 100 metres backstroke at the Olympic Games in a United States record time of 58.33sec, with fellow swimmer and compatriot Dana Vollmer, who also set a new world benchmark in the 100m butterfly, third.

The winners of the academy's male and female athletes of the month awards will be considered as candidates for the 2012 athlete of the year prize.

The winners of the monthly awards are chosen via an internet ballot on the Academy website.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
August 2012: Olympic superstar Phelps in running for USSA July athlete of month gong