Triathlon's smiley World Champ, Chrissie Wellington is named one of the Best 50 Athletes in 2012 by Esquire Magazine! Not only did she make the list, but she was the highest ranking female on the list, coming in at number 8! Just a few notables she beat out... Kobe Bryant, Lindsey Vonn, Phil Mickelson and Serena Williams.

This list was calculated by a formula ranking many different variables such as number of major championships won, number of Google hits with the athletes name and "charity" and sport's rank on ESPN sports difficulty list.

As triathletes we all know and love Chrissie Wellington, but we are so proud of her to make this list in the midst of so many high profile, and a bit more mainstream athletes!

Way to go Chrissie!

To see the full list, click here...