AAU Sullivan Award winners: Former Iowa star Caitlin Clark becomes first athlete to win the coveted title twice in 94-year history

Caitlin Clark is used to winning awards and being recognized but she made history by winning the 2024 AAU Sullivan Award. This is the first time that an athlete has won the award a second time since they began presenting it in 1930.

The Sullivan Award recognizes the most outstanding athlete at collegiate, Olympic, or any other amateur level and is based on citizenship, leadership, sportsmanship and character.

Caitlin Clark discussed the feeling of being named the winner of the award for a second consecutive year (via CBS):

“The AAU Sullivan Award is an incredible honor. I have been inspired by so many athletes that came before me and I hope I can be that same inspiration for the next generation to follow their dreams. I want to congratulate the other finalists and thank all of those who voted for me.”

Clark will not be eligible for the award next year as she is no longer an amateur athlete.

Also Read: “Something I wrote down on a piece of paper”: Caitlin Clark ecstatic on fulfilling ‘2nd grade dream’ of entering WNBA draft

List of winners of the Sullivan Award since 2000

Below is a list of the winners of the AAU Sullivan Award since 2000 and the sport they played. Note that some years have multiple winners.

2000: Rulon Gardner, Wrestling
2001: Michelle Kwan, Figure Skating
2002: Sarah Hughes, Figure Skating
2003: Michael Phelps, Swimming
2004: Paul Hamm, Gymnastics
2005: J.J. Redick, Basketball

2006: Jessica Long, Paralympian
2007: Tim Tebow, Football
2008: Shawn Johnson, Gymnastics
2009: Amy Palmiero-Winters, Ultramarathoning
2010: Evan Lysacek, Figure Skating
2011: Andrew Rodriguez, Football
2012: Missy Franklin, Swimming
2013: John Urschel, Football
2014: Ezekiel Elliott, Football
2015: Keenan Reynolds & Breanna Stewart, Football & Basketball
2016: Lauren Carlini, Volleyball
2017: Kyle Snyder, Wrestling
2018: Kathryn Plummer, Volleyball
2019: Spencer Lee & Sabrina Ionescu, Wrestling & Basketball
2020: Caleb Dressel & Simone Biles, Swimming & Gymnastics
2021: Carissa Moore, Surfing
2022: Caitlin Clark, Basketball
2023: Caitlin Clark, Basketball