Courtesy: USATF

World champions Stacy Dragila and John Godina (pictured) on Tuesday were named recipients of the 2001 Jesse Owens Awards by USA Track & Field (USATF). It is the second such honor for both athletes, placing them among a select, elite group of two-time winners that includes only Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Marion Jones, Carl Lewis and Michael Johnson. Dragila won the Jesse Owens Award in 2000, and Godina was the recipient in 1998.

"I was honored to win the Jesse Owens Award last year, but to win it two years in a row is very humbling," Dragila said, "especially as it is named in honor of one of the greatest athletes ever. I can't believe it. It's wonderful."

"I'm very excited," Godina said. "Obviously, winning my first Jesse Owens Award was fun, but to win two is unbelievable. The whole goal when I started in this sport was to have a stellar career, not just a good year or two. I figure I'm about half-way done with my career, so to have two Jesse Owens Awards is great. This was a pleasant surprise."

Established in 1981, The Jesse Owens Award is USA Track & Field's highest accolade, presented annually to the outstanding U.S. male and female track and field performers. The permanent commemorative award is maintained at USATF National Headquarters, and a replica is provided to each of the winners.

The 2001 Awards will be presented November 30 at the Jesse Owens Awards Dinner and Xerox Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held at USA Track & Field's 2001 Annual Meeting in Mobile, Alabama. Jesse Owens Awards voters included USA Track & Field's Board of Directors, USATF's Athletes Advisory Committee, the 2001 USA World Outdoor Championships Team, members of the Track and Field Writers of America and additional members of the media.

"Stacy and John were two of the most dominant athletes in the world in 2001," said USATF CEO Craig Masback. "But they faced some of their toughest competition from fellow Americans, right here on U.S. soil. We had an incredibly strong group of nominees for the Jesse Owens Award this year, and Stacy and John certainly earned this honor."

Nominated for the Jesse Owens Award on the men's side, in addition to Godina, were 2001 world outdoor champions Maurice Greene and Allen Johnson, and high school record holder Alan Webb. Dragila beat out fellow nominees and world champions Marion Jones and Anjanette Kirkland, and dominant American distance runner Deena Drossin.

"I was fortunate enough to see John and Stacy compete at their biggest events of 2001," said USATF President Bill Roe. "Just as impressive as their performances is the way they represent the United States and the sport. It is a genuine pleasure to see them win the Jesse Owens Awards for a second time."