Shohei Ohtani continued his reign as the most dominant athlete in sports, claiming The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year award for an unprecedented third consecutive time.
The two-way phenom joins an elite group of athletes with multiple wins, tying basketball legend Michael Jordan with three awards. Only Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James have achieved this feat with four awards each.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award again,” Ohtani said through his translator, Matt Hidaka. “It’s a testament to all the hard work and dedication I’ve put in. Hopefully, I can continue to strive for greatness and maybe even win it again next year.”
In a vote conducted by 74 sports journalists from the AP and its members, Ohtani received 48 votes, solidifying his position as the top athlete of 2024. He previously won the award in 2023 and 2021 while with the Los Angeles Angels.
“Growing up in Japan, I looked up to figures like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods,” Ohtani shared. “Seeing their success in the United States inspired me greatly.”
The AP Male Athlete of the Year award has been presented annually since 1931. Golfer Babe Didrikson holds the record with six awards, the most by any athlete.
Swimmer Léon Marchand of France, who captured four gold medals at the Paris Olympics, finished second in the voting with 10 votes. Golfer Scottie Scheffler, who claimed the Masters title and an Olympic gold medal this year, placed third with nine votes.
This latest accolade further solidifies Ohtani’s status as one of the most extraordinary athletes of his generation.
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