*Michael Johnson wins Sullivan Award*

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Two-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson was named the
67th winner of the James E. Sullivan Award, given to the
outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. 



Johnson, a three-time finalist for the award, became the 37th
track and field athlete to be honored.  He became the first man
to win the 200 and 400 meters at an Olympics. In one of the
greatest performances in track and field history, Johnson ran
the fastest 200 meters in history, roaring to victory in a
stunning 19.32 seconds. 



"Nineteen ninety-six was indeed a career year for me in winning
two Olympic gold medals," Johnson said. "Winning this award is a
great acknowledgement of these achievements." 



Other finalists were Gail Devers (track and field), Teresa
Edwards (basketball), Michelle Kwan (skating), Shannon Miller
(gymnastics), Dan O'Brien (track and field), Dot Richardson
(football), Amy Van Dyken (swimming), Tiger Woods (golf) and
Danny Wuerffel (football). 



The Sullivan Award honors the outstanding amateur athlete in the
United States. It has been presented by the Amateur Athletic
Union since 1930 as a tribute to its past president, James E.
Sullivan.  Wrestler Bruce Baumgartner won the award in 1996. 



The Sullivan Award is voted on by 1,000 individuals represented
by the A-A-U Board of Directors, the Sullivan Award Committee,
past recipients and life members, the U.S. Olympic Committee
Board of Directors and selected media.