Mildred "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias Courage Award

Medallion Awards

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

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