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AAU Sullivan Award Press Releases FIRST ROUND OF FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE AAU JAMES E. SULLIVAN MEMORIAL AWARD Olympic Medallists, Olympic Hopefuls and Collegiate All-Americans Top List ORLANDO, Fl. (January 5, 2004) - The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) today announced the names of the top finalists for the 74th Annual AAU James E. Sullivan Memorial Award, which recognizes the top amateur athlete in the nation. The first round finalists are: John Fonseca (Karate); Paul Hamm (Gymnastics); Lebron James (Basketball); Barbara Lindquist (Triathlon); Steven Lopez (Taekwondo); Chellsie Memmel (Gymnastics); Apolo Anton Ohno (Speedskating); Michael Phelps (Swimming); Philippa "Phil" Raschker (Master Circuit - Track and Field); Diana Taurasi (Basketball); Rickie Weeks (Baseball); and Jason White (Football). "This is one of our most diverse and talented group of nominees ever," said AAU President Bobby Dodd. "Ten different sports are represented among the finalists and I'm very proud to be able to say that each athlete is an exceptional role model to not only their respective sport but our countries youth as well." The AAU Sullivan Award recognizes athletes who have achieved athletic excellence, exhibit leadership, character, sportsmanship and the ideals of amateurism. It has been presented annually by the AAU since 1930 as a salute to founder and past president of the AAU, and a pioneer in amateur sports, James E. Sullivan. A 10-member AAU Sullivan Committee selected the 12 finalists after reviewing each of the athletes qualifications from over 30 who were nominated. Ballots to select the top five and the 2003 winner were mailed today to an 800-member voting body consisting of AAU Board of Directors, United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Board of Directors, Select Media, and New York Athletic Club Select Members. The top five finalists and the National recipient will be formally recognized and announced April 13th, 2004 at the New York Athletic Club in New York City. Considered the "Oscar" of sports awards, the AAU James E. Sullivan Award has been presented to prominent athletes of our time including last year's recipient Sarah Hughes. Others include: Bobby Jones (1930), Peyton Manning (1997), William "Bill" Bradley (1965), Dan Jansen (1994), Janet Evans (1989), Jim Abbott (1987), Jackie Joyner-Kersee (1986), Greg Louganis (1984), and the late Florence Griffith-Joyner (1988). The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs for all ages. Our philosophy of "Sports for All, Forever," has been shared with over a million athletes and volunteers in the last two years alone. Divided into 58 associations, the AAU sanctions more than 34 sports programs, 250 national championships, and over 10,000 local events across the United States annually. For more information on the AAU please visit our website at www.aausports.org. CONTACT: Melissa Ostrom |
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