Where Are the Swimmers? Sullivan Award Finalists Released – No Aquatic Athletes Named
The finalists for the 96th AAU Sullivan Award have been announced, and no swimmers are among the 18 athletes named for the prestigious award. The Sullivan Award has been presented annually since 1930 to recognize the United States’ best Olympic or collegiate athlete. In the past, swimming honorees have included Michael Phelps, Missy Franklin, Mark Spitz, Janet Evans and Tracy Caulkins, among others.
Voting for the award is open to the public and the finalists selected are recognzied for their performances during 2025. It is surprising to see Katie Ledecky and Gretchen Walsh not listed among the finalists, as their 2025 campaigns included world-record performances and world championships.
Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Ledecky broke her nine-year-old world record in the 800-meter freestyle during 2025, and exited the World Championships in Singapore with gold medals in the 800 freestyle and 1500 freestyle, along with a bronze medal in the 400 freestyle. As for Walsh, she broke the world record in the 100 butterfly and captured world championships in the 50 butterfly and 100 butterfly, in addition to wrapping up one of the greatest college swimming careers in history.
Here is a look at the athletes selected as finalists for the Sullivan Award:
- Olivia Babcock, Volleyball, University of Pittsburgh
- Cameron Boozer, Basketball, Duke University
- Evan Bates & Madison Chock, Figure Skating, U.S. Figure Skating
- Azzi Fudd, Basketball, University of Connecticut
- Hannah Hidalgo, Basketball, University of Notre Dame
- Blake Horvath, Football, United States Naval Academy
- Erin Jackson, Speed Skating, U.S. Speedskating
- Grace Lau, Karate, Hong Kong Karate
- Alysa Liu, Figure Skating, U.S. Figure Skating
- Jeremiyah Love, Football, University of Notre Dame
- Ilona Maher, Rugby, USA Rugby
- Ilia Malinin, Figure Skating, U.S. Figure Skating
- Tatyana McFadden, Para Track & Field, USA Track & Field
- Fernando Mendoza, Football, Indiana University
- Mikaela Shiffrin, Alpine Skiing, U.S. Ski & Snowboard
- Braden Smith, Basketball, Purdue University
- Zahid Valencia, Wrestling, USA Wrestling
The winner of the Sullivan Award will be announced on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
