Baumgartner is one of six action stars who have been shortlisted for this prestigious award. The others are British BMX rider Jamie Bestwick, French Olympic mountain biker Julie Bresset, Australian surfers Stephanie Gilmore and Joel Parkinson and German windsurfer Philip Koster.
The winner will be announced at the Laureus World Sports Awards here March 11.
Also nominated in other categories are many of the great stars from the London Olympic Games, including Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis, Missy Franklin, Andy Murray, Michael Phelps, Ye Shiwen, Bradley Wiggins and Serena Williams.
Charismatic footballer Lionel Messi and Sebastian Vettel, winner of a third straight Formula One World Championship have also been selected. Messi has been nominated for the fourth straight time.
