Associated Press Athlete of the Year
The award Associated Press Athlete of the Year has been awarded since 1931 by the Associated Press in the U.S., making it the oldest award for the athlete of the year in this country. Since the first award the honor goes to both a male athlete and a Sportswoman of the Year. Basically for the election of the Athlete of the Year are professional athletes and amateurs in question. The winner is determined sports editors of the Associated Press in an annual election.
As with the award for the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year, the large number of U.S. winners reflects the national background of the ceremony also at the awards from the Associated Press. Citizens of other countries are as Athlete of the Year chosen, as has happened in some cases.