The AAU Sullivan Award has been given out since 1930 to the nation's best athlete. Only one finalist will join the illustrious list of previous winners which include: Bobby Jones (1930), Doc Blanchard (1945), Wilma Rudolph (1961), Bill Bradley (1965), Mark Spitz (1970), Bill Walton (1973), Bruce Jenner (1976), Carl Lewis (1981), Joan Benoit (1985), Janet Evans (1989), Peyton Manning (1997), Michael Phelps (2003), Tim Tebow (2007), Shawn Johnson (2008), Missy Franklin (2012), and the Ohio State University running back Ezekiel Elliott (2014) and the first volleyball player to win the award, Lauren Carlini (2016) plus an illustrious group of past winners.
This award means a lot to me because of how much I've given up to be amateur. I absolutely love being an amateur athlete, and to be a part of something so special that honors that is amazing.
Missy Franklin Winner - 83rd AAU Sullivan Award
This is a tremendous honor for Ezekiel and his family, and a privilege for Ohio State to have a Sullivan Award winner as the outstanding amateur athlete in America.
Urban Meyer Football Coach - Ohio State
I'm thinking to myself I really don't belong in their company. They win world championships and all I do is score."
J.J. Redick Winner - 76th AAU Sullivan Award
It's the biggest honor there is. To be the first female gymnast, it's just amazing. I'm so excited.
Shawn Johnson Winner - 79th AAU Sullivan Award
Mon 23 Mar