Posted: January 13, 2004

Athletics: Raschker named finalist for Sullivan Award

Masters track and field legend Philippa (Phil) Raschker has been named one of the 12 finalists for the AAU James E. Sullivan Memorial Award, which recognizes the top amateur athlete in the nation. The 57-year-old track and field star was nominated for the award by the National Senior Games Association for her world record masters performances in 2003. Additionally she is recognized for her outstanding contributions for promoting women's athletics.

During the 2003 season, Raschker won numerous National Senior Games and National Masters Track and Field titles. She set age-group world records in the high jump, indoor heptathlon, pentathlon, and 60-meter hurdles. Competing at the World Masters Association Track and Field Championships this past season in Carolina, Puerto Rico, she won five gold medals in the heptathlon, 80m hurdles, high jump, pole vault, and triple jump.

Raschker becomes the first track and field athlete over 40 years old to be nominated for the award. Over a span of 23 years of competition, she has won more championship gold medals on the international and national level than any other masters track and field athlete. She has been voted by her peers at the USATF Annual Meeting as the Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year 13 times.

The AAU James E. Sullivan Award has been presented to prominent athletes of our time including last year's recipient Sarah Hughes. Others include: Bobby Jones (1930), Peyton Manning (1997), William "Bill" Bradley (1965), Dan Jansen (1994), Janet Evans (1989), Jim Abbott (1987), Jackie Joyner-Kersee (1986), Greg Louganis (1984), and the late Florence Griffith-Joyner (1988).

For more information visit: www.aausullivan.org.