Mildred “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias Courage Award

CRITERIA: The Mildred “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias Courage Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates courageous action in overcoming adversity to excel in sport. This individual should exhibit the qualities of courage, perseverance, grace, and strength in sport achievement.

Mildred “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias’ spirit and zest for life, as well as her courage, strength, and achievement, are the qualities for which this award is named. The Babe’s fight to overcome life-threatening cancer and return to the winner’s circle has withstood the test of time.

Previous Recipients

2018
Shaquem Griffin – National Football League Player
2017
Anthony Rizzo – Major League Baseball Player, Cancer Survivor, and Founder of the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation
2016
Ibrahim Al-Hussein – Paralympic Swimmer, 2016 Rio Independent Paralympic Athletes Team
2015
Michael Somsan – Blind Triathlete, Ironman Competitor
2014
Melissa Stockwell – Wounded Warrior, American Paratriathlete, Paralympic Swimmer
2013
Rosie Napravnik – First Female Jockey to Ride in Triple Crown and First Female Kentucky Oaks Winner
2012
Erik Compton – Professional Golfer and Two-Time Heart Transplant Recipient
2011
Pat Summitt – Head Women’s Basketball Coach, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
2010
Lance Mackey – Dog Sledder with Four Iditarod Championships
2009
J.R. Martinez – Iraq war veteran/”All My Children” actor
2008
Maarten van der Weijden – Dutch swimmer
2007
Kay Yow – North Carolina State University women’s basketball coach
2006
Brett Favre – Green Bay Packers quarterback
2005
Tedy Bruschi – New England Patriots linebacker
2004
Bethany Hamilton – Surfer
2003
Alex Zanardi – Auto racer
2002
Rulon Gardner – U.S. Olympic gold-medal wrestler
2001
Dale Earnhardt – Auto racer
2000
Eric Moussambani – Olympic swimmer
1999
Lance Armstrong – Cyclist
1998
Arnold Palmer – Golfing legend
Jim Colbert – Senior Tour Golfer
Joe Torre – MLB manager
1997
Tony Granato – NHL player
1996
Scott Hamilton – Olympic figure skater
1995
Kerri Strug – Olympic gymnast
1994
Ernie Irvan – Auto racer
1993
Billy Mills – Olympic distance runner
1992
John Olerud – Professional baseball player
1991
Gail Devers – U.S. track and field standout
1990
Shirley Mudowney – Drag racer
1989
Roy Campanella – Major League Baseball Hall of Famer
1988
Chris Mullin – NBA standout
1987
Bob Waters – Football coach
1986
Jim Abbott – One-armed Major League Baseball pitcher
1985
Rocky Blier – Pittsburgh Steelers fullback