CRITERIA: The Dr. Ernst Jokl Sports Medicine Award, named in honor of the former Olympic athlete, international sports medicine scholar, and Director of the University of Kentucky Rehabilitation Center, is given annually to an individual for his/her contributions to the growth and development of sport medicine through practice and/or scholarly activity. The individual should exhibit a mastery of some aspect of sports medicine through practice or research, be well known in the sports medicine field and have an abiding belief in and practice of ethical behavior in pursuit of knowledge.
Ernst Jokl was an outstanding runner in the 400 meters and 400 meter hurdles for the German Olympic squad in 1928 following which he published his first medical study and began what is generally recognized as a most prominent career in the field. He worked with renowned scientists like A.V. Hill, Nobel Prize winner, Max Burger, Adolph Loewy and Adolphe Abrahams. He was the first Director of the Department of Sports Medicine at Breslau University in 1933 before moving to South America to become Director of Physical Education at Stellenbosch University where he developed a national program in sports science. Jokl came to the United States in 1952 and served as the Director of the University of Kentucky Rehabilitation Center. Jokl has been a prolific author and researcher in sports medicine, psychology and sociology publishing articles and books in these areas. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the United States Sports Academy in 1993 for his contributions to sports medicine.
Previous Recipients
- 2019
- Dr. Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, co-founder and investigator for the Boston University CTE Center
- 2018
- Dr. Bill Holcomb, Ph.D., LAT, ATC, FNATA, CSCS*D, FNSCA – Director, Master of Athletic Training Program and Professor, Mercer University
- 2017
- Dr. Kenneth Cameron – Director of Orthopaedic Research at Keller Army Community Hospital, West Point, N.Y.
- 2016
- Bennet Omalu, M.D. – Physician, Forensic Pathologist, Neuropathologist, and Leading Research Pioneer on Concussions in Sport
- 2015
- Retired Col. John Feagin, Jr., M.D. – Former Sports Orthopedic Surgeon, U.S. Military Academy and Duke University
- 2014
- Dr. William Prentice – Renowned Author, Educator, and Practitioner of Sports Medicine
- 2013
- Dr. Cindy Chang – USA Chief Medical Officer for the 2012 London Olympic Games
- Discontinued in 2012
- 2011
- Dr. Steve Devick – Co-Founder, King-Devick Concussion Detection Test
- 2010
- Dr. Frank Noyes – Chairman & CEO, Cincinnati Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center
- 2009
- Dr. Robert Cantu – Concussions expert, neurosurgeon
- 2008
- Dr. Andrew Capuccino – Buffalo Bills team doctor
- 2007
- Dr. John Lombardo – MD, Sports Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
- 2006
- Dr. David Schmidt, MD, Orthopedic surgeon, Spurs team physician
- 2005
- Dr. Bert Mandelbaum – Orthopedic surgeon, Santa Monica Orthopedic Group
- 2004
- Jerome A. Dempsey, Ph.D. – Professor of Preventive Medicine, UW-Madison
- 2003
- Dr. Lawrence Lemak – Orthopedic surgeon, Health South Medical Center
- 2002
- Dr. Eric Heiden – Orthopedic surgeon, Olympic speedskating champion
- 2001
- Dr. Frank Jobe – Noted “Tommy John” surgeon
- 2000
- Dr. Robert E. Leach – Editor, American Journal of Sports Medicine
- 1999
- Richard D. Martin – Athletic Trainer, Minnesota Twins
- 1998
- Prince Alexandre de Merode – Chairman, IOC Medical Commission
- 1997
- Donald A. Chu – President, National Strength & Conditioning Association
- 1996
- Fred Mueller, Ph.D. – Chair of Physical Education, University of North Carolina
- 1995
- Dr. Jacques Rogge – Vice President, IOC Medical Commission
- 1994
- Dr. James Andrews – Alabama Sports Medicine
- 1993
- Sir Roger Bannister – Neurologist, First to break 4 minutes in mil