This award is given to the athlete who came back from from adversity, retirement, illness, injury, etc., to have an outstanding performance(s) in 2009, with special emphasis on the 2009 FINA World Championships. Past Winners
2008: Eric Shanteau
2007: Ryan Lochte
2006: Erik Vendt
2005: Brendan Hansen
2004: Kaitlin Sandeno (Comeback of the Year)  Fran Crippen
In late 2007, Fran Crippen was one of the U.S. favorites to qualify for the 10K open water swim at the 2008 Olympics. But a disappointing swim at the U.S. Trials in late 2007 left the 25-year-old short of his dream. Still, he was able to bounce back and win a bronze medal in the 10k at the World Championships in Ostia, Italy.  Ariana Kukors
Ariana Kukors went from two third place finishes at the 2008 Olympic Trials to a World Championship gold and silver medal in 2009. In Rome, Kukors broke the 200m IM world record two times on her way to her first international medal and won a silver medal as part of the 800m free relay team.  Dana Vollmer
An Olympian in 2004, Dana Vollmer just missed making the team again in 2008. However, in 2009 she was back on top, helping the University of California women’s swimming and diving team to its first-ever NCAA Championship, and then at World Championships in Rome, she won bronze in the 200m free, tied for fifth in the 100m fly in an American record time (56.94), and helped the American women earn a silver medal in the 800m free relay. .
 Amanda Weir
Amanda Weir rebounded from just missing the 2008 Olympic team to having an excellent year in 2009. At World Championship Trials in July, Weir was second in both the 50m and 100m free. Then, at World Championships in Rome, she set the American record in the 100m free. She finished fourth in the 100m free, was also seventh in the 50m free and was fourth in the 400m free relay.
Breakout Athlete Coach of the Year Relay Performance Female Race of the Year Male Race of the Year Female Athlete of the Year Male Athlete of the Year
|