The Significance
The AAU Gussie Crawford Lifetime Achievement Award, to be presented annually at the AAU James E. Sullivan Award ceremony, was established to honor Gussie Crawford, voted the first female president of AAU, as a trailblazer in amateur sports. The award is intended to recognize those athletes whose efforts, both on and off their playing surface on the national or international stage, have paved the way for great change in amateur sports.
Fourth Recipient
The legendary boxer and well-known philanthropist Muhammad Ali was announced as the recipient of the 4th AAU Gussie Crawford Lifetime Achievement Award in a ceremony on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at the Detroit Athletic Club. Khaliah Ali Wertheimer accepted the award virtually on behalf of her father. Special guest Olympic track and Field legend, Jackie Joyner Kersee joined the ceremony virtually. READ MORE
Third Recipient
Multi-sport star Mildred Ella "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias was announced as the recipient of the 3rd AAU Gussie Crawford Lifetime Achievement Award in a ceremony on April 16 at the New York Athletic Club. W.L. Pate, President of Babe’s Foundation accepted the award on her behalf. READ MORE
Second Recipient
Jim Thorpe, legendary multi-sport athlete took home the honors for his contributions to amateur sports.
The award was accepted in a remote video presentation by his son Bill Thorpe and on-site by his reat-grandson and great-great grandson at a ceremony during the presentation of the AAU James E. Sullivan Award Ceremony, April 17, 2018 at the New York Athletic Club.
READ MORE | VIEW JIM THORPE VIDEO
Inaugural Recipient
Jesse Owens, track and field legend, for his lasting impact on amateur sports
The award was accepted on the family’s behalf by his granddaughter, Gina Hemphill-Strachan, during the presentation of the AAU James E. Sullivan Award Ceremony, April 11, 2017 at the New York Athletic Club.