US gymnast who claimed controversial gold wins Sullivan Award

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2005

NEW YORK (AFP) — This time, American gymnast Paul Hamm did not need a court fight to claim the honor he thought he deserved.

Hamm was named winner of the 75th Sullivan Award here Wednesday as the top American amateur athlete for 2004, beating out such US Olympic heroes as swimmer Michael Phelps, who won six gold medals at the Athens Games.

"I'm honored to receive this award," Hamm said. "The Sullivan Award represents such a prestigious group of athletes with such amazing stories. It's an honor just to be mentioned with this group."

Hamm overcame controversy at the Athens Games to become the first American man to capture the Olympics all-around title. But two days after winning the gold, South Korea protested the outcome.

International Gymnastics...