Lysacek Awarded ‘Oscar’ of Sports

Naperville's Evan Lysacek was named the 2010 Sullivan Award winner at a ceremony Monday at the New York Athletic Club in New York City, according to a news release.

The award has been given out every year since 1930 by the Amateur Athletic Union, the award salutes the most outstanding U.S. amateur athlete of the year based on athletic accomplishments, leadership skills, character and sportsmanship, according to the release.

"It's humbling to see my name amongst those on the impressive list of past Sullivan Award winners, especially Sarah Hughes who has always inspired me in my own skating," Lysacek said in the release. "I'm honored to receive this distinction and would like to thank the AAU for selecting me for this award."

Lysacek is one of four skaters to receive the award and the first Olympian since Shawn Johnson received the award in 2009.

 The award is considered the “Oscar” of sports awards, it is older than the National Football League's Heisman Trophy. Many sports have been represented through prominent awardees, according to the release.

"Evan is an outstanding ambassador for the United States and the Olympic Movement worldwide," said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun in the release . "In Vancouver, he demonstrated courage, determination, and sheer athletic talent to win the United States' first gold medal in men's figure skating since 1988. But even more inspiring was Evan's conduct off of the ice. He was the essence of sportsmanship, accepting his title with grace and poise, and reminding us all what the Olympic Games are really about. On behalf of the U.S. Olympic family, congratulations, Evan, and thank you for being such an outstanding role model."