National Wrestling Hall of Fame
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Museum Feature

1990 - John Smith

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.











“As the first wrestler to be recognized as the best amateur athlete,
I felt the only home for my Sullivan Award was at the
National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum,” said John Smith.
"It is my hope that by sharing my award it inspires future wrestlers
to dream big and never give up. Through hard work and dedication you
can reach your dreams and even surpass them."












Year and wrestler to receive this prestigious award:
Click on the granite plaque/picture to see their Hall of Fame bio or click on the Sullivan Award to see their Sullivan award bio.
1990 - John Smith
    













1995 - Bruce Baumgartner
    













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