February 22, 2008

Finchum named Sullivan Award finalist

Thomas Finchum has been selected as a finalist for the James E. Sullivan Award, presented annually to the nation’s top amateur athlete.

The winner of the award, which is based on 2007 accomplishments, will be announced April 1.

Finchum (Indianapolis) won four national championships and 10 international medals throughout the 2007 season.

Fans are invited to join in the voting online at http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2008-02-21-sullivan-award_N.htm. Fan voting will count as one-third of the final total, with other votes coming from U.S. Olympic Committee members, college sports information directors and AAU officials. Voting ends March 10.

Finchum won national titles on 10-meter at both the Speedo USA Diving Spring National Championships and Kaiser Permanente National Championships in 2007, when he also paired with David Boudia to win national titles in synchronized 10-meter at both meets.

Internationally, he won a gold medal on 10-meter at the AT&T USA Diving Grand Prix and took a silver at the FINA Canada Cup. In synchronized competitions, he and Boudia won medals in eight of nine international contests, highlighted by golds at the Pan American Games and AT&T USA Diving Grand Prix and a bronze at the World Championships.

The other finalists are: Brian Duncan (football), Jonathan Horton (gymnastics), Jeff Lerg (hockey), Jamie Lovemark (golf), Kristie Marano (wrestling), Robert Pillow IV (basketball), Philippa Raschker (track and field), Tim Tebow (football), Angela Tincher (softball) and Brad Vering (wrestling).

Paralympic swimming Jessica Long won the award last year, when diver Troy Dumais was among the finalists.