New York—Olympic gold medalist Paul Hamm won the 2004 AAU James E. Sullivan Memorial Award Wednesday evening in a ceremony at the New York Athletic Club. This is only the second time in history that a gymnast has won the coveted award.
Hamm, 22 a native of Waukesha, Wis., became the first-ever Olympic All-Around champion for the United States, winning in stunning fashion, and taking home team and high bar silver as well. Hamm’s performance is one of the greatest victories in Olympic history, as he shot from 12th to 1st in just two rotations for the gold by the slimmest of margins – just 0.012.

Upon receiving the award, Hamm spoke to the New York Athletic Club audience. "I'm honored to receive this award," he said. "The Sullivan Award represents such a prestgious group of athletes with such amazing stories. It's an honor just to be mentioned with this group."

Hamm was a finalist for the Sullivan Award in 2003 after winning the first-ever World All-Around title for the U.S. men, and was awarded the USOC’s Spirit of the Flame Award in January for his sportsmanship.

"It was particulalry special to be on the dais with Carly. It is a great night for USA Gymnastics," Hamm said.

"We are thrilled for Paul to be only the second gymnast to receive this great award," said Steve Penny, CEO/President of USA Gymnastics. "It's proper recognition for his historic victory in Athens and his accomplishments over the past year. For USA Gymnastics to have two athletes among this incredibly distinguished group of finalists is a testament to the hard work of all our athletes and coaches."

The only other gymnast to win the award was Kurt Thomas in 1979 following his two gold, three silver and one bronze medal performance at the 1979 World Championships.

For the first time in the award’s history, the public was able to vote for their favorite athlete. The public vote counted as one-third of the total vote. The U.S. Olympic Committee Board of Directors, National Governing Body representatives, college Sports Information Directors and AAU representatives cast the remaining votes.

The Sullivan Award has been presented annually by the AAU since 1930 as a salute to founder of the Amateur Athletic Union, James E. Sullivan. The award is based on the qualities of leadership, character, sportsmanship, and the ideals of amateurism and recognizes those who have shown strong moral character.