Athlete of the Year
Encyclopedia
Athlete of the Year is an award given by various sports organizations for the athlete whom they have determined to be deserving of such recognition.
, most valuable player
(MVP), sportsperson (sportsman or sportswoman) of the year, or Mr./Ms. X sport. For example, at the high-school level in the United States
, several American states choose a Mr. Basketball (e.g., Illinois
, Indiana, Iowa
, Kentucky, Michigan
, North Dakota
, Utah
, and Wisconsin). Such awards — general and one-sport-only — are common at the high-school, college
(university
), and professional levels in the United States.
Country-specific
This lists a sampling of awards dedicated to a specific country.
U.S.
-based awards
Because these awards are given by American organizations, the winners are usually, but not always, Americans. Also, the presence of the word "Sportsman" in the name of an award does not imply that the award is open solely to men; women have frequently won these awards.
Definition of "athlete"
- For etymologyEtymologyEtymology is the study of the history of words, their origins, and how their form and meaning have changed over time.For languages with a long written history, etymologists make use of texts in these languages and texts about the languages to gather knowledge about how words were used during...
of "athlete", see Sportsperson- In many nations, an "athlete" is someone who participates in the "sport of athletics" (including track and fieldTrack and fieldTrack and field is a sport comprising various competitive athletic contests based around the activities of running, jumping and throwing. The name of the sport derives from the venue for the competitions: a stadium which features an oval running track surrounding a grassy area...
, racewalking, cross countryCross country runningCross country running is a sport in which people run a race on open-air courses over natural terrain. The course, typically long, may include surfaces of grass and earth, pass through woodlands and open country, and include hills, flat ground and sometimes gravel road...
and road runningRoad runningRoad running is the sport of running on a measured course over an established road . These events would be classified as long distance according to athletics terminology, with distances typically ranging from 5 kilometers to 42.2 kilometers in the marathon. They may involve large numbers of runners...
) - In other nations — including Canada and the United States — an "athlete" (or "sportsperson") is a person who participates in any sportSportA Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...
(including track and field).
- In many nations, an "athlete" is someone who participates in the "sport of athletics" (including track and field
Similar names for the award
The awards are also sometimes called player of the yearPlayer of the year award
Several sports leagues honour their best player with an award called Player of the Year. In the United States, this type of award is usually called a Most Valuable Player award...
, most valuable player
Most Valuable Player
In sports, a Most Valuable Player award is an honor typically bestowed upon the best performing player or players on a specific team, in an entire league, or for a particular contest or series of contests...
(MVP), sportsperson (sportsman or sportswoman) of the year, or Mr./Ms. X sport. For example, at the high-school level in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, several American states choose a Mr. Basketball (e.g., Illinois
Illinois Mr. Basketball
Each year the Illinois Mr. Basketball award is given to the person chosen as the best high school boys basketball player in the U.S. state of Illinois....
, Indiana, Iowa
Iowa Mr. Basketball
Each year the Iowa Mr. Basketball award is given to the person chosen as the best high school boys basketball player in the U.S. state of Iowa, in the United States....
, Kentucky, Michigan
Mr. Basketball of Michigan
Each year the Hal Schram Mr. Basketball award is given to the person chosen as the best high school boys basketball player in the U.S. state of Michigan...
, North Dakota
North Dakota Mr. Basketball Award
Each year the North Dakota Mr. Basketball award is given to the person chosen as the best high school boys basketball senior player in the U.S. state of North Dakota....
, Utah
Utah Mr. Basketball
Each year the Utah Mr. Basketball is given to the person chosen as the best high school boys basketball player in the U.S. state of Utah, in the United States. Class 5A was introduced in 1994.The award has been given since 1987 by the Deseret Morning News...
, and Wisconsin). Such awards — general and one-sport-only — are common at the high-school, college
College athletics
College athletics refers primarily to sports and athletic competition organized and funded by institutions of tertiary education . In the United States, college athletics is a two-tiered system. The first tier includes the sports that are sanctioned by one of the collegiate sport governing bodies...
(university
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
), and professional levels in the United States.
Athletics (track and field)
- World's Greatest Athlete (decathlon)
- IAAF World Athlete of the YearIAAF World Athlete of the YearThe IAAF Athlete of the Year award is a prize that can be won by athletes participating in events within the sport of athletics organised by the International Athletic Foundation of the International Association of Athletics Federations , including track and field, cross country running, road...
(International Athletic Foundation of the International Association of Athletics Federations) - European Athlete of the Year Trophy
- Track & Field News Athlete of the YearTrack & Field Athlete of the YearThe Track & Field Athlete of the Year award is given to track and field athletes by Track & Field News magazine. A panel of international track and field experts organized by the magazine selects the winners. The award has been given to men since 1959 and women since 1974.-Winners:-External links:*...
All sports
Worldwide- Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the YearLaureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year-List of winners and nominees:-Trivia:-See also:*Laureus World Sports Award for Sportswoman of the Year*L'Équipe Champion of Champions Award*Athlete of the Year-References:...
(Laureus World Sports Academy) - Laureus World Sports Award for Sportswoman of the YearLaureus World Sports Award for Sportswoman of the YearList of winners and nominees of the Laureus World Sports Awards: Sportswoman of the Year-List of winners and nominees:-Statistics:Nominations*By sport:...
- L'Équipe Champion of Champions Award
- BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year—excludes British nationals
Country-specific
This lists a sampling of awards dedicated to a specific country.
-
- Olimpia AwardOlimpia AwardThe Olimpia Award is a sport award in Argentina, given every year by the Argentine Sports Journalists' Circle since 1954.An Olimpia de Plata is awarded to one of the candidates of each one of the 41 sports disciplines...
- Austrian Sportspersonality of the yearAustrian Sportspersonality of the yearThe Austrian Sports Personality of the Year is chosen annually since 1949. Recordholders are Annemarie Moser-Pröll and Hermann Maier . In 1978 and 1979 the Austrian national football team was named Austrian Sports Team of the Year...
- Lou Marsh TrophyLou Marsh TrophyThe Lou Marsh Trophy, also known as the Lou Marsh Memorial Trophy and Lou Marsh Award, is a trophy that is awarded annually to Canada's top athlete, professional or amateur. It is awarded by a panel of journalists, with the vote taking place in December. It was first awarded in 1936...
(athlete of the year, of either sex) - Lionel Conacher AwardLionel Conacher AwardThe Lionel Conacher Award is an annual award given to Canada's male athlete of the year. The sports writers of the Canadian Press first conducted a poll to determine the nation's top athlete, of either gender, in 1932. Separate polls for the best male and female athletes were conducted beginning...
(male athlete of the year) - Bobbie Rosenfeld AwardBobbie Rosenfeld AwardThe Bobbie Rosenfeld Award is an annual award given to Canada's female athlete of the year. The sports writers of the Canadian Press first conducted a poll to determine the nation's top female in 1933, naming golfer Ada Mackenzie the winner. The CP formalized the poll into an award in 1978,...
(female athlete of the year) - Velma Springstead TrophyVelma Springstead TrophyThe Velma Springstead Trophy is an award presented annually to Canada's outstanding female athlete. It is named in honour of track athlete Velma Springstead whose career ended prematurely when she died from pneumonia in 1927 when only 20 years old. The Women's Amateur Athletic Federation of Canada...
(female athlete of the year) - Rajiv Gandhi Khel RatnaRajiv Gandhi Khel RatnaThe Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna is India’s highest honour given for achievement in sports. The words "Khel Ratna" literally mean "Sports Gem" in Hindi. The award is named after the late Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India. It carries a medal, a scroll of honour and a substantial cash...
- RTÉ Sports Person of the YearRTÉ Sports Person of the YearThe RTÉ Sports Person of the Year is an important all-sport award in Irish sport. The accolade is given to one sportsman or sportswoman, usually Irish, every year. The winner of the award is decided by a panel of experts who choose a winner from a shortlist of candidates towards the end of the...
- Jamaica Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year
- Lithuanian Sportsman of the YearLithuanian Sportsman of the YearSince 1956, Lithuania honors their greatest athlete of the year. The award's trophy, a bronze archer, has been given to the following recipients:-External links:*...
- Golden badge Sport—athlete of the year of Serbia (former YugoslaviaYugoslaviaYugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
) - Slovenian Sportsman of the yearSlovenian Sportsman of the yearSlovenian Sportsman of the year and Slovenian Sportswoman of the year are annual awards presented on the base of Slovenian sports reporters' voting for the best sportsman and sportswomen of the previous year. The first awards were awarded in 1968....
and Slovenian Sportswoman of the year - BBC Sports Personality of the Year AwardBBC Sports Personality of the Year AwardThe BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award is the titular award of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony, which takes place each December. The winner is the sportsperson, adjudged by a public vote, to have achieved the most that year. The recipient must either be British or reside and...
—winner must either be a British national or resident
- Olimpia Award
U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
-based awards
Because these awards are given by American organizations, the winners are usually, but not always, Americans. Also, the presence of the word "Sportsman" in the name of an award does not imply that the award is open solely to men; women have frequently won these awards.
- Associated Press Athlete of the YearAssociated Press Athlete of the YearThe first Athlete of the Year award in the United States was initiated by the Associated Press in 1931. At a time when women in sports were never given the same recognition as men, the AP offered a male and a female athlete of the year award to either a professional or amateur athlete...
(AP) - Best Female Athlete ESPY AwardBest Female Athlete ESPY AwardThe Best Female Athlete ESPY Award, known alternatively as the Outstanding Female Athlete ESPY Award, has been presented annually since 1993 to the female, irrespective of nationality or sport contested, adjudged to be the best athlete in a given calendar year.Between 1993 and 2004, the award...
- Best Male Athlete ESPY Award
- Sporting News Sportsman/Pro Athlete of the Year
- Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the YearSportsman of the YearSince its inception in 1954, Sports Illustrated magazine has annually presented the "Sportsman of the Year" award to "the athlete or team whose performance that year most embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement." Both Americans and non-Americans are eligible, though in the past the...
- Sportswoman of the Year AwardSportswoman of the Year AwardThe Sportswoman of the Year Award is given by the Women's Sports Foundation every year. This foundation recognizes both an individual and a team Sportswoman on their performance over a 12-month period...
(Women's Sports Foundation) - United Press International Athlete of the Year AwardUnited Press International Athlete of the Year AwardThe United Press International Athlete of the Year Award was conferred annually between 1974 and 1995 one each to the individuals adjudged, without restriction to nationality or sport contested, to be the male and female athlete of the year by a panel of sportswriters and editors constituted under...
(UPI) (defunct) - NCAA Sportsmanship AwardNCAA Sportsmanship AwardThe NCAA Sportsmanship Award is given each year to one man and one woman in National Collegiate Athletics Association sports who have demonstrated one or more of the ideals of sportsmanship, including fairness, civility, honesty, unselfishness, respect and responsibility...
(National Collegiate Athletic Association) - NCAA Woman of the Year AwardNCAA Woman of the Year AwardThe NCAA Woman of the Year Award was created to honor a senior female student-athlete who has distinguished herself throughout her collegiate career in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership. Each year, ten finalists are selected from a larger pool of...
(student-athlete) - Best Female College Athlete ESPY AwardBest Female College Athlete ESPY AwardThe Best Female College Athlete ESPY Award has been presented annually since 2002 to the female sportsperson, irrespective of university represented or sport contested, adjudged to be the best in a given calendar year of those contesting collegiate sport in the United States through the National...
- Best Male College Athlete ESPY AwardBest Male College Athlete ESPY AwardThe Best Male College Athlete ESPY Award has been presented annually since 2002 to the male sportsperson, irrespective of university represented or sport contested, adjudged to be the best in a given calendar year of those contesting collegiate sport in the United States through the National...
- Atlantic Coast Conference Athlete of the YearACC Athlete of the YearThe Atlantic Coast Conference Athlete of the Year award is given to the male and female athlete who show extraordinary talent throughout the entire season. The award is decided by members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association....
(ACC)
One sport (other than track and field)
- International Baseball Federation Senior Athlete of the Year
- U.S. Soccer Athlete of the YearU.S. Soccer Athlete of the YearThe U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year is given by the United States Soccer Federation to the American soccer players judged best in the calendar year. It is the longest running major American soccer award...
(U.S. Soccer Federation) (association football) - Leigh Matthews TrophyLeigh Matthews TrophyThe Leigh Matthews Trophy is an annual award given by the AFL Players Association to the Most Valuable Player in the Australian Football League. It is named in honour of Leigh Matthews, who won the first MVP award in 1982, when the league was still known as the Victorian Football League...
(Australian Football League) (Australian rules footballAustralian rules footballAustralian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
) - Canadian Football League Most Outstanding Player AwardCFL's Most Outstanding Player AwardThe Most Outstanding Player Award is annually awarded to the best player in the Canadian Football League. The Most Outstanding Player award can be compared to the National Football League's Most Valuable Player, otherwise known as the "MVP" award...
(Canadian footballCanadian footballCanadian football is a form of gridiron football played exclusively in Canada in which two teams of 12 players each compete for territorial control of a field of play long and wide attempting to advance a pointed prolate spheroid ball into the opposing team's scoring area...
) - GAA All Stars AwardsGAA All Stars AwardsThe All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
(Gaelic gamesGaelic gamesGaelic games are sports played in Ireland under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The two main games are Gaelic football and hurling...
)- All Stars Footballer of the Year (Gaelic footballGaelic footballGaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
) - All Stars Hurler of the Year (hurlingHurlingHurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
) - Ladies' Gaelic football All Stars Awards (Ladies' Gaelic footballLadies' Gaelic footballLadies' Gaelic football is a team sport for women, very similar to Gaelic football, and co-ordinated by the Ladies' Gaelic Football Association...
) - Camogie All Stars Awards (camogieCamogieCamogie is an Irish stick-and-ball team sport played by women; it is almost identical to the game of hurling played by men. Camogie is played by 100,000 women in Ireland and world wide, largely among Irish communities....
) - Rounders All Stars AwardsRounders All Stars AwardsThis page is a list of all GAA Rounders All Star Awards winners from 2002 to present. These awards are presented annually to the best Irish rounders players.-2002:-2003:-2004:-2005:-2006:-2007:-2008:-2009:-2002:-2003:-2004:-2005:-2006:...
(roundersRoundersRounders is a game played between two teams of either gender. The game originated in England where it was played in Tudor times. Rounders is a striking and fielding team game that involves hitting a small, hard, leather-cased ball with a round wooden, plastic or metal bat. The players score by...
)
- All Stars Footballer of the Year (Gaelic football
- National Football League Most Valuable Player Award (U.S.) (American footballAmerican footballAmerican football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
) - Nippon Professional Baseball Most Valuable Player AwardNippon Professional Baseball Most Valuable Player AwardThe is an honor given annually in baseball to two outstanding players in Nippon Professional Baseball , one each for the Central League and Pacific League....
(Japan) - MLB Most Valuable Player AwardMLB Most Valuable Player AwardThe Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award is an annual Major League Baseball award, given to one outstanding player in the American League and one in the National League. Since 1931, it has been awarded by the Baseball Writers Association of America...
(Major League Baseball) (U.S. & Canada) - Players Choice Awards Player of the YearPlayers Choice AwardThe Players Choice Awards are annual Major League Baseball awards, given by the Major League Baseball Players Association .The Players Choice Awards are given following a secret ballot by players. Four awards go to a player in each league, while two awards each go to one player in all of Major...
(Major League Baseball) (U.S. & Canada) - Sporting News Player of the Year (Major League Baseball) (U.S. & Canada)
- Sporting News MLB Athlete of the Decade (Major League Baseball) (U.S. & Canada)
- ACC Men's Basketball Player of the YearACC Men's Basketball Player of the YearThe Atlantic Coast Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year is a basketball award given to the men's basketball player in the Atlantic Coast Conference voted by members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association as the most outstanding player...
(Atlantic Coast Conference) (college/university) (U.S.) - Baseball America High School Player of the Year AwardBaseball America High School Player of the Year AwardBaseball America has given out an annual, national High School Player of the Year Award every year since 1992. The award has been won by many players who have gone on to have successful major-league baseball careers.-List of winners:-Statistics:...
(U.S.)