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Olympic Gold Medalists Headline Elite Class of Finalists for 91st AAU James E. Sullivan Award

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) announced today the nominees for the title of top athlete have been narrowed to a panel of five (5) finalists for the 91st AAU James E. Sullivan Award presented by Eastbay.

Oct 20, 2021

Olympic Gold Medalists Headline Elite Class of Finalists for 91st AAU James E. Sullivan Award

WATCH CEREMONY FRIDAY 10/22 AT 12:30PM - www.aausullivan.org

ORLANDO, Fla. (October 20, 2021) – The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) announced today the nominees for the title of top athlete have been narrowed to a panel of five (5) finalists for the 91st AAU James E. Sullivan Award presented by Eastbay.

Those athletes are as follows:

  • Athing Mu, Track and Field, USA Track and Field/Texas A&M
  • Caeleb Dressel, Swimming, USA Swimming
  • Kevin Kopps, Baseball, University of Arkansas
  • Maddie Musselman, Water Polo, USA Water Polo
  • Simone Biles, Gymnastics, USA Gymnastics
The AAU Sullivan Award has been presented annually since 1930 to the most outstanding athlete in the United States, including famed Olympians Michelle Kwan (2001), Michael Phelps (2003), Paul Hamm (2004) and Shawn Johnson (2008); University of Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning (1997), Penn State guard John Urschel (2013); 200m backstroke world record holder Missy Franklin (2012) and University of Oregon standout Sabrina Ionescu (2019).
 
“I am proud to have such remarkable athletes representing finalists for this year’s AAU James E. Sullivan Award. It is truly an honor to announce this year’s finalists, a class unlike any other,” said Jennings “Rusty” Buchanan, President and CEO of the AAU. “The AAU is the largest multi-sport organization in the world, so we are delighted to provide an inclusive platform which allows all sports to compete for the title of the top athlete in America.”

The winner will be announced Friday, October 22.  A special ceremony will be held at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida, with a special recognition for all finalists and winner announced during the halftime of Orlando Magic’s home opener against the New York Knicks. This year’s event will be hosted by 1981 AAU Sullivan Award winner Carl Lewis.
 
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ABOUT THE AAU:
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest- non-profit volunteer sports organizations in the country. As a multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports programs. Founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in sports, the AAU philosophy of “Sports For All, Forever” is now shared by nearly 700,000 members and 150,000 volunteers across 41 sports programs and 55 U.S. districts.
 
For more information, visit www.aausports.org | Instagram: @AAUSports | Twitter: @TheRealAAU | YouTube: youtube.com/TheRealAAUvideo | Facebook: facebook.com/realAAU
 
ABOUT EASTBAY:
Since 1980, Eastbay has been dedicated to providing high school athletes with the footwear, apparel, and equipment they need to take their game to the next level. As part of Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE:FL), Eastbay is focused on serving athletes who know what it takes to win, both on and off the field, through its direct mail catalog and eastbay.com. Through product selection, insider knowledge, and a range of athletes and experts, Eastbay delivers the tools athletes need to win their style of play and post-game looks.
 
Additional information may be found at eastbay.com | Instagram: @officialeastbay | Twitter: @eastbay | YouTube: youtube.com/eastbay | Blog: blog.eastbay.com | Facebook: facebook.com/eastbay | App: iOS and Android
 

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Sports For All, Forever

The AAU was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. During its early years, the AAU served as a leader in international sport representing the U.S. in the international sports federations. The AAU worked closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. After the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the AAU has focused its efforts into providing sports programs for all participants of all ages beginning at the grass roots level. The philosophy of "Sports for All, Forever," is shared by nearly 800,000 participants and over 150,000 volunteers.   

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