Courtesy AAU

NEW YORK (March 12, 2024) – Team USA gymnast Frederick Richard has been named a finalist for the 94th AAU James E. Sullivan Award.

The AAU James E. Sullivan Award has been presented annually since 1930 to the most outstanding athlete at the collegiate, Olympic, or other similar elite level in the United States. In addition to athletic excellence, the award recognizes the qualities of leadership, citizenship, character, and sportsmanship on and off the playing surface. Richard is a breakout gymnast with the University of Michigan and Team USA. Richard’s year included winning three NCAA titles, one U.S. title, and claiming two bronze medals at the FIG World Gymnastics Championships. He became the youngest-ever U.S. men’s medalist at the World Championships and the first American man since 2010 to win an all-around medal. When not in the gym, he also created his own “Frederick Flips” brand, producing apparel that complements his social media following of nearly 1 million.

The other five finalists are:

  • Caitlin Clark, Basketball, University of Iowa
    • NCAA’s all-time leading scorer
  • David Taylor, Wrestling, USA Wrestling
    • 3x World Champion
  • Emery Lehman, Speed Skating, US Speedskating
    • 3x Olympian
  • Madisen Skinner, Volleyball, University of Texas
    • 3x NCAA Champion
  • Noah Jaffe, Para Swimming, U.S. Paralympics Swimming
    • 4x World Championships medalist

The one-week voting period to determine the winner opens to the public today and closes on Tuesday, March 19 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The public can vote once a day for their choice at https://bit.ly/94thsullivanfinalists.

The winner of the 94th AAU Sullivan Award will be announced at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the New York Athletic Club.

“We’re proud of our award’s uniqueness in honoring elite athletes regardless of sport or gender,” said AAU President Jo Mirza. “These finalists are not only incredible athletes but incredible people contributing positively to society. They’re great role models for our AAU athletes.”

The winner of this year’s award will join a renowned list of recipients. Prior winners include Michael Phelps (swimming), Michelle Kwan (figure skating), Peyton Manning (football), Carl Lewis (track and field), Breanna Stewart (basketball), and Simone Biles (gymnastics).

ABOUT THE AAU:
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer sports event 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 800,000 members and 150,000 volunteers across 45 sports programs and 55 U.S. districts. For more information, visit www.aausports.org.