Sullivan Award Winner

[DarkestMoon]

Shawn Johnson won the Sullivan Award according to Nastia on her Twitter.

Congrats to Shawn for winning and to Nastia for her nomination. Y'all are fabulous and we hope to see you back in gymnastics soon enough!

[100bob]

Congratulations Shawn!
Can someone please clarify what the selectin criteria are as it seems odd for a sporting award to go to the Olympic silver medalist rather than gold??

[gymfan90]

Originally Posted by 100bob

Congratulations Shawn!
Can someone please clarify what the selectin criteria are as it seems odd for a sporting award to go to the Olympic silver medalist rather than gold??

But Shawn is an Olympic Gold medalist, she just didn't win the AA. Why do gymfans forget that she won a gold and 3 silvers, I expect it from the average joe (and they even remember her and her gold) but not from somebody who follows the sport.

And Nastia and Shawn were not the only Gold medalists that were nominees.

Anyways, here is the criteria

Known as the ” Oscar” of sports awards, and older than The Heisman,the AAU Sullivan Award honors the outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. 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. 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.

[Illini3]

Originally Posted by gymfan90

Known as the ” Oscar” of sports awards, and older than The Heisman,the AAU Sullivan Award honors the outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. 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. 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.

I agree with 100bob's sentiment, especially after reading the blurb on the Sullivan Award.

[100bob]

I hadn't forgotten that Shawn won a gold but we know that the most prestigious medal was won by Nastia. Great that gymnastics is so well represented at such a huge award.

[medstudent24]

ok forgive me for being blunt, but wtf?

Nastia Liukin won 5 medals, including AA gold. She has followed through on her promise on continuing in the sport, in efforts to break Miller's medal record and become the most decorated American gymnast of all time. She is known and loved throughout the world, even casual gymnastics fan recognize her as the best in recent memory. Why oh why did Shawn win the Sullivan?!?!?!?! Nothing against her, just that Liukin's accomplishments seem worthier, considering how long she's been in the sport, and how illustrious her career has been.

Are these people on crack? Was this a brilliant marketing campaign on the part of Shawn's agents? Did the publicity from Dancing with the Stars help? What's going on??

[toasty_swirlz]

Originally Posted by gymfan90

But Shawn is an Olympic Gold medalist, she just didn't win the AA. Why do gymfans forget that she won a gold and 3 silvers, I expect it from the average joe (and they even remember her and her gold) but not from somebody who follows the sport.

yeah she won a gold and 3 silvers, but nastia also won a gold (AA too) and 3 silvers AND a bronze.

not to say that shawn isn't good, but just pointing out that nastia had 3 silvers too. and i feel like overall, nastia has overcome a lot more throughout her career, especially the year leading up to the olympics. I feel that should have been an important factor.

plus, nastia had her fair share of good sportsmanship at the olympics. how would it feel to literally tie AGAIN after worlds 05. but this time at the olympics with the same mark in the bars finals. and especially with all the age controversies. being constantly asked about it. yet she ws still gracious in defeat never saying anything bad.

regardless, congrats to shawn.

[Fishbulb]

if it's also judged on attitude and sportsmanship, maybe shawn's persistance during the olympics helped. people not only saw her as a girl who won, but also as the girl who kept smiling despite it all... and then won.

i agree with her win, but i would have also agreed with nastia's win.

[gymfan90]

Originally Posted by Fishbulb

if it's also judged on attitude and sportsmanship, maybe shawn's persistance during the olympics helped. people not only saw her as a girl who won, but also as the girl who kept smiling despite it all... and then won.

i agree with her win, but i would have also agreed with nastia's win.

Exactly. I would have been fine with either girl winning but you can't make this into a 'who got the most medals' competition.

The award isn't about how many medals you have won or what color they are, its about how you present yourself. Shawn got a lot attention for the way she handled herself in defeat and that is most likely what got her the award. She was always right there to congratulate the one who beat her and there are many pictures of her consoling Alicia in TF. And a lot of people outside the sport remember her ever present smile and her determination to fight until the very end.

Nastia has received other awards since Olympics, and will continue to, for her achievements so why do you need to put Shawn down for winning this one? I'm sure she is thrilled for her friend and wouldn't appreciate the comments that Shawn somehow 'stole' the award from her through marketing or those choosing were on people being on crack

[gymgal92]

Originally Posted by medstudent24

ok forgive me for being blunt, but wtf?

Nastia Liukin won 5 medals, including AA gold. She has followed through on her promise on continuing in the sport, in efforts to break Miller's medal record and become the most decorated American gymnast of all time. She is known and loved throughout the world, even casual gymnastics fan recognize her as the best in recent memory. Why oh why did Shawn win the Sullivan?!?!?!?! Nothing against her, just that Liukin's accomplishments seem worthier, considering how long she's been in the sport, and how illustrious her career has been.

Are these people on crack? Was this a brilliant marketing campaign on the part of Shawn's agents? Did the publicity from Dancing with the Stars help? What's going on??

Wow. That's about the reaction I had. Thanks for speaking up!
Nastia's showed GREAT moral strength, sportsmanship, and ability in her many years in the sport. She worked through injury to reach her ultimate goal, overcoming Shawn finally to take the big win. Does that not deserve the credit?
I'm sorry if this seems like I'm putting Shawn down. I love her. She deserves most of the things she earns...but this isn't one of them.
To whoever said it was putting Shawn down by saying "are these people on crack?" I wouldn't say so. I'd say it's really taking a step back and comparing the accomplishments of the two girls/gymnasts and really realizing who deserved it more.
On the other hand, Shawn showed an amazing amount of strength...but I think her winning this award would be equal to Carly winning it (Killing everyone in competition, but choosing spotlight over sport...which there isn't a problem with! I'm glad she's having fun. Don't you love my attempts to take everyones side? I think I'm epic failing.) It just isn't right...