ORLANDO, Fla. (October 22, 2021) – For the third time in AAU James E. Sullivan Award history, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) announced co-winners for the 91st AAU James E. Sullivan Award presented by Eastbay, Simone Biles and Caeleb Dressel. The ceremony took place at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida, and the trophy was presented during a special halftime recognition during the NBA Orlando Magic game the evening of Friday, October 22.
 
Biles became the fourth gymnast to receive the honor of top athlete of the year, while Dressel became the 11th swimmer to take home the title. The pair are the third duo to win, following the footsteps of the 86th recipients, former Navy quarterback, Keenan Reynolds and former University of Connecticut forward, Breanna Stewart in 2015; the basketball twins Kelly and Coco Miller in 1999; and most recently Sabrina Ionescu and Spencer Lee in 2019.
 
Other 91st AAU James E. Sullivan finalists included Athing Mu (track and field), Maddie Musselman (water polo) and Kevin Kopps (baseball).
 

“The AAU Sullivan award is one of the oldest awards in sports, and I am honored to be included as one of its recipients,” said Simone Biles. “Also, thank you to the AAU for its support of athletes and continuing to recognize athletes’ contributions both on and off the playing field.”

Biles is a well-known household name and even was recently nicknamed the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) in gymnastics. With a combined 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, Biles is tied as the most decorated gymnast of all time. Biles' seven Olympic medals also ties Shannon Miller for most Olympic medals won by an American female gymnast.

“I am truly honored to win this prestigious award. The AAU Sullivan Award symbolizes athletic achievement, sportsmanship and character. I would like to thank the AAU for all of their hard work and commitment to sport.” said Caeleb Dressel. “I am humbled to be among such outstanding athletes in history as the co-winner of the 91st AAU Sullivan Award.”