The AAU James E. Sullivan Award, presented by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), is awarded annually to "the most outstanding athlete at the collegiate or Olympic level in the United States".[1][a]
| AAU James E. Sullivan Award | |
|---|---|
| Awarded for | The most outstanding athlete at the collegiate or Olympic level in the U.S. who demonstrates qualities of leadership, citizenship, character and sportsmanship on and off the field. |
| Country | United States |
| Presented by | Amateur Athletic Union |
| First awarded | 1930 |
| Currently held by | Caitlin Clark |
| Website | aausullivan |
The award was established in 1930 in honor of the organization's founder and past president, James Edward Sullivan. Based on the qualities of leadership, character, and sportsmanship, the AAU Sullivan Award "goes far beyond athletic accomplishments and honors those who have shown strong moral character".[1] Finalists are selected from public nominations following a review by the AAU Sullivan Award Executive Committee.[2] Approximately 10 semi-finalists are chosen,[2] and the eventual winner is determined by votes from various members of the nationwide news media, former winners and AAU personnel.[3][4] More recently, a portion of the winner's vote has been determined by the general public.[5][6] Recipients are eligible for subsequent awards, and in 2023, Caitlin Clark became the first repeat winner.[2][7]
The inaugural winner of the award was golfer Bobby Jones, winner of 13 majors between 1923 and 1930.[8][9] The first female recipient, in 1944, was swimmer Ann Curtis, who won more national AAU championships than any other woman.[10]
34 track and field athletes have won the AAU Sullivan Award—the most by any sport. Notable winners include Carl Lewis, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Michael Johnson. 12 swimmers have won, including Mark Spitz and Michael Phelps. Nine football players have won the award, among them Peyton Manning and Tim Tebow. Eight basketball players have taken home the trophy, including Chamique Holdsclaw, JJ Redick, Breanna Stewart, and Caitlin Clark. Five wrestlers have won, four figure skaters have won, and four gymnasts have taken home the award, including Simone Biles. Three divers and three speed skaters have won, as well as two oarsmen, two golfers, and two volleyball players. There's been one Paralympian, one ultra-marathoner, one baseball player, and one tennis player to win the prestigious award. And in December 2022, Carissa Moore became the first surfer to take home the trophy. (Numbers as of 2023)
Golfer Bobby Jones won the inaugural award in 1930.
Wilma Rudolph received the accolade in 1961.
Track athlete Carl Lewis received the award in 1981.
Peyton Manning won the award in 1997.
Figure skater, Michelle Kwan, took the honor in 2001.
Swimmer and most decorated Olympian of all time Michael Phelps won the award in 2003.
Olympic gold-medalist, Shawn Johnson, won the award in 2008.
Quarterback Keenan Reynolds was awarded the 86th AAU James E. Sullivan Award.
Caitlin Clark won the award in 2022 and 2023, the first ever 2x winner.
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