FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FIVE FINALISTS FOR 2003 AAU SULLIVAN AWARD ANNOUNCED

ORLANDO (February 23, 2004) - The Amateur Athletic Union today announced the top five finalists for the 2003 AAU James E. Sullivan Memorial Award. Known as the " Oscar" of the sports awards, the AAU Sullivan Award honors the outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. The 2003 AAU Sullivan Award Finalists are: LeBron James, Basketball; Apolo Anton Ohno, Speedskating; Michael Phelps, Swimming; Philippa "Phil" Raschker, Master Track and Field; and Diana Taurasi, Basketball. The presentation to the recipient will be held on April 13th, 2004 at 6:00pm in the New York Athletic Club following a dinner reception for the five finalists.

Meet the 2003 AAU Sullivan Award Five Finalists

LeBron James (Basketball): James became Ohio's most honored high school basketball player when he was named AP Mr. Basketball for the third straight year while playing for St. Vincent- St. Mary High School. He was named PARADE High School Boys Basketball Player of the Year in 2002 and 2003, becoming the first repeat winner in the 47-year history of the award. James scored 52 points against Westchester (of Los Angeles, CA) on February 8, 2003 -his highest point total ever. James was selected #1 in the NBA Draft to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003.	LeBron James
Apolo Anton Ohno	Apolo Anton Ohno (Short Track Speedskating): Ohno was the 2003 World Cup Overall Champion, earning 196 points out of a possible 200. Had a hand in 20 of the 21 short track medals won by the U.S. during the season. Won 18 individual medals (10 gold, 6 silver and 2 bronze) and 2 relay medals (1 silver and 1bronze). He also won his fifth US National Championship in March in Bay City, MI. Ohno was also a 2002 James E. Sullivan Memorial Award finalist.
Michael Phelps (Swimming): Phelps became the first swimmer to set 5 world records at one meet at the 2003 FINA World Championships; winning 4 gold medals and two silver. Phelps was also the only man to win five U.S. National titles at the same championships. He was the first man in history to win a U.S. National title in three different strokes at one national championship. Current world-record holder in the 200m fly, 200m, and 400m individual medley. Became the youngest man to ever break a world record at 15 years, 9 months in the 200m fly at the 2001 Spring Nationals.	Michael Phelps
Philippa "Phi" Raschker	Philippa "Phil" Raschker (Track and Field - Master Circuit): Raschker, an accomplished multi-event track athlete, Raschker broke 7 World records and 9 All-American records in the Track and Field Masters Circuit. These events include: pentathlon; heptathlon; 60m; 200m; 400m; 800m; high jump; pole vault; and long jump. Her medals include: 7 golds at the National Outdoor Championships in Eugene, OR; 6 golds at the National Senior games in Hampton Roads, VA; 5 golds at the 15th World Championships (World Masters Association) in Carolina, Puerto Rico; 3 golds at the 1st PanPacific Championships in Sacremento, CA and five Championships with one gold.
Diana Taurasi (Basketball): Taurasi, led the University of Connecticut Huskies in scoring (17.9 ppg), rebounding (6.1 rpg), assists (4.4 apg), and blocks (1.2 bpg), free throw percentage (.815) and minutes per game (31.9). Taurasi scored 54 points in the Final Four, the fourth-highest two-game total in history. Averaged 26.2 points per game in six tournament games. Scored in double-figures in 34 contests and posted four double-doubles. Ranked in the top 10 in seven different BIG EAST stat categories. She was named the Naismith National Player of the Year; NCAA Final Four and EAST Regional Most Outstanding Player (unanimous selection); BIG EAST Player of the Year; USBWA National Player of the Year; Honda Trophy Award winner for basketball; and Wade Trophy recipient.	Diana Taurasi

A voting body of over 800 members narrowed the field of finalists from 12 to the top five for the 74thAnnual AAU James E. Sullivan Memorial Award, based on the qualities of leadership, character, sportsmanship, and the ideals of amateurism.

The AAU Sullivan Award goes far beyond athletic accomplishments and honors those who have shown strong moral character. It has been presented annually by the AAU since 1930 as a salute to founder and past president of the Amateur Athletic Union, and a pioneer in amateur sports, James E. Sullivan.

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. Its philosophy of "Sports for All, Forever," is shared by nearly 500,000 participants and over 50,000 volunteers. 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.

CONTACT:

Melissa Ostrom
AAU Marketing, Media, and PR
407-828-5636
melissa@aausports.org