Greek Amphora used as a Model for the Sports Illustrated Sportman of the Year Award

Object Details

Description (Brief): Large, two-handled Greek amphora from 510 BC with images of athletes, discus and javelin throwers, runner and a trainer. This amphora was acquired by Clare Booth Luce in Italy while she was ambassador there some time before 1954 when Sports Illustrated began awarding the replicas. The idea of giving these came from the tradition of giving oil filled amphorae to winning athletes in B.C. Greece. This amphora was displayed at the Headquarters of Sports Illustrated Magazine from 1954-1979 and was used as the model for the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year trophy. According to Sports Illustrated this is "awarded annually by the editors of Sports Illustrated according to the ancient Greek concept of 'arete': a unity of virtues of mind and body to which the complete man of every age must aspire. The Sportsman of the Year is honored not for his victory alone, "but for the quality of his effort and the manner of his striving. Whether it was over a period or only an hour or an instant, his performance was such that his fellowmen could not fail to recognize it as a revelation of pure excellence..."
Location: Currently not on view

National Museum of American History

GUID (Link to Original Record): https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b1-ffae-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa