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