DOHA, Dec - Three Chinese athletes were named FINA Athletes of the Year 2014 by the world swimming governing body in Doha Monday.

Huang Xuechen, winner of the FINA World Cup in duet, team and free combination, was named best synchronized swimming athlete of the year.

Liu Huixia, winner of the FINA World Cup in women's 10m plamform synchronized and winner of the overall FINA World Series in 10m platform, was named the best female diver of the year, while in the men's diving, China's Cao Yuan, winner of the 3m springboard synchro and 10m platform synchro at the World Cup, won the glory.

South Africa's Chad Le Clos and Hungary's Katinka Hosszu were named the best male and female swimmer respectively.

The FINA Athletes of the Year 2014 were unveiled in Doha Monday, less than two days before the start of the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m).

Huang Xuechen, right and Liu Huixia pose for a photograph during the ceremony of?FINA Athletes of the Year 2014?in Doha, Dec 1, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]