Sports awards are a symbol of excellence, recognition, and accomplishment in the world of sports. Over the years, many awards have gained iconic status due to their prestige and history. Here are the top 10 iconic sports awards worldwide and what makes them so special:
1. Olympic Gold Medal – The ultimate symbol of athletic excellence, the Olympic Gold Medal is the most prestigious award in the world of sports. The five rings of the Olympic flag represent the five continents where athletes from around the world come together to compete and achieve greatness.
2. Ballon d’Or – The Ballon d’Or award honours the world’s top soccer player, as voted on by a global panel of journalists and coaches. The award continues to spark debates and controversies about who truly deserved to receive this highly coveted football trophy.
3. Wimbledon Trophy – The Wimbledon Trophy is a symbol of tennis excellence, given to the winner of the annual Wimbledon Championships. The iconic silver cup has been passed on from one champion to another since 1887, making it one of the most historic sports awards in the world.
4. Heisman Trophy – The Heisman Trophy is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football. This iconic award has become a national symbol of college football excellence and tradition, with the winners having gone on to become legendary football players.
5. Green Jacket – The Green Jacket is the prize given to the winner of the Masters Tournament; a prestigious golf championship held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. The coveted jacket becomes the ultimate symbol of golfing greatness and is won by only a few elite golfers every year.
6. Vince Lombardi Trophy – The Vince Lombardi Trophy, also known as the Super Bowl football trophy, is awarded to the winner of the most-watched sporting event in the United States, the Super Bowl. Vince Lombardi, the legendary coach, is the individual after whom the award is named.
The trophy itself is made entirely of sterling silver and sculpted in the shape of an American football.
7. Stanley Cup – The Stanley Cup is the oldest trophy in North American sports, representing the championship in professional ice hockey. The iconic silver chalice has been awarded to NHL champions since 1893, and the tradition of hoisting the Cup above the head has become a symbol of ultimate hockey success.
8. Tour de France Yellow Jersey – The Tour de France is one of the most prestigious and challenging endurance events in the world of sports. Yellow Jersey is awarded to the cyclist who leads the race after each stage, and the ultimate winner of the race takes home the iconic Yellow Jersey, the symbol of cycling excellence.
9. Ashes Urn – The Ashes Urn is a symbol of cricketing excellence, as it represents the rivalry between England and Australia. This small terracotta urn is said to contain the ashes of a burnt cricket bails, as a reminder of the test series between the two countries.
10. Larry O’Brien Trophy – The Larry O’Brien Trophy is awarded to the NBA champions, representing the ultimate achievement in professional basketball. The trophy is named after former NBA commissioner Larry O’Brien and is made of 14.5 pounds of sterling silver and gold plate.
These iconic sports awards are more than just trophies or medals. They represent the epitome of athletic greatness, serving as a reminder of the dedication, hard work, and perseverance required to achieve sports excellence.