Annual Awards

US Speedskating recognizes its athletes, members, coaches and clubs through annual award nominations and recognition. 

Find a list of all the award winners below:

Most recent recipients:

PRESIDENT'S AWARD - Paul Golomski

ERIC HEIDEN ATHLETE OF THE YEAR - Kristen Santos-Griswold & Jordan Stolz, 2024 Recipients

• Named for Eric Heiden due to his high level of achievement 
• Recommendations of eligible athletes made by the High Performance team - awarded to one athlete
• Started in 2003, but only awarded as deemed necessary
• Final decision made by USS President or committee created by the President
• Given to athlete with the highest achievement of the season
• Olympic events and World Championships carry more weight than World Cup titles or national championships
• If a Short Track and Long Track athlete are deserving, a decision must be made between the two
• Recommendations made at the end of the elite skating season, a minimum of four weeks prior to the USS Congress

USOPC COACHING AWARDS - Pat Wentland, 2023 USOPC Volunteer Coach of the Year

• Development Team Coach
• Volunteer coach
• Nominated by US Speedskating Members - Nominations due to USS by October 1st
• Selected by Coaching Task Force

AAC DEDICATION TO SPORT AWARD - Dan Carney, 2024 Recipient

• The winning athlete is someone who has shown dedication to the growth and betterment of speedskating
• Nominated by the US Speedskating membership
• Letter explaining how the athlete has improved the sport must be submitted to the AAC by mid-March
• Selected by the current members of the Athlete Advisory Council
• Winner announced mid-April

GEORGE HOWIE MEMORIAL AWARD - Olu Sijuwade, 2023 Recipients

• Picked by George Howie Memorial Committee
• Ballot is distributed at the beginning of February
• Awarded to a supporter of speedskating
• Some emphasis on international experience and service to US Speedskating
• One living and one deceased candidate each year