AAU Sullivan Award winners are inspiring, talented, disciplined athletes.

The AAU Sullivan Award has been given out since 1930 to the nation's best athlete at the Olympic, Collegiate, or similar elite level. 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), the Ohio State University running back Ezekiel Elliott (2014) and the first surfer to receive the award, Carissa Moore (2021).

Caitlin Clark — 2022, 2023

J.J. Redick — 2005

Carl Lewis — 1981

Carissa Moore — 2021

Michael Phelps — 2003

Shawn Johnson — 2008

Peyton Manning — 1997

  • "This award means a lot to me because of how much I've given up to be a 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 — 79th AAU Sullivan Award