The public have until April 9 to register their votes for the award, and they will be added to the nominations of Olympians, Paralympians and the US Olympic family.

In all some 18 Olympians, five Paralympians and five teams are in the running for the Hall of Fame, including women's soccer legend Kristine Lilly (pictured), Olympic women's ice hockey gold medal winning captain Cammi Granato and double Olympic wrestling gold medallist John Smith.

Six Olympians, one Paralympian and one team will be elected, and Allstate chief marketing officer Mark LaNeve said: "The US Olympic Hall of Fame celebrates a commitment to excellence, perseverance and recognises American athletes who are role models and heroes.

"Allstate is proud to protect the legacy of these athletes and their accomplishments while offering fans the chance to play an important role in selecting who will be eternally etched in Olympic history."

USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun added: "It is a privilege to introduce this incredibly deserving group of nominees for induction into the US Olympic Hall of Fame and an honour to invite the American public to vote for who they want to be a part of the class of 2012.

"With excitement building ahead of the London Games this summer, there is no better time than now to honour the legacy of the great individual and team performances, and make them a permanent part of US Olympic Team history."

The 28 nominees were selected by a nominating committee made up of representatives from the US Olympic Movement, the US Olympians Association, Athletes' Advisory Council, USOC and the media.

To vote click here.

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