Associated Press Athlete of the Year

The first Athlete of the Year award was proposed in the US by the "Associated Press" in the year 1931.

Until that time, women were not given as much recognition as compared to men in sports; AP bestowed the award both to the male and female athlete who is either a professional or an amateur. A jury of AP sports editors from across the United States vote for the nominees. A large number of achievers of this award have been Americans. However, non-Americans are also qualified for the recognition and have won on some occasions.