FISA, is calling for nominations for the 2008 Thomas Keller Medal - and anyone is entitled to nominate their favourite rower.
If you know of a retired athlete who has had an outstanding career in rowing and you believe they should be recognised for their achievements, the opportunity to nominate is now open for 2008. In principle, nominees should have been retired for less than five years to be eligible.
The Thomas Keller Medal is awarded each year by FISA. It is the highest honour available in the sport of rowing. The award recognises an exceptional rowing career as well as exemplary sportsmanship. Last year's winner, Mike McKay of Australia called the medal the highlight of his career:"Thomas Keller was a part of my early rowing experiences. My father Reg always had stories about this guy who could swap in and out of five languages… I'm honoured to receive a medal in his name."
The Thomas Keller Medal began in 1990 and is named after FISA's former president. The award is presented yearly by Keller's son, Dominik during the final Rowing World Cup.
The following five factors are taken into consideration when selecting the successful recipient:
1. Success on the international level - medal count taking level of competition into account
2. Type of career - overcoming obstacles, shortcomings
3. Technical mastery of the sport - success in different boat types as well as sculling and sweep rowing
4. Sportsmanship - respect for others, attitude and character
5. Legendary aspect - how perceived by the rowing world and the world outside rowing
Anyone can submit a nomination which requires an explanation of up to 250 words stating why your selected rower should receive the award. Nominations must be received by 29 February 2008 directly to FISA.
Click here for more information and the official nomination form and consider consulting the World Rowing online Athlete Database to check all your facts about your favourite athletes.
Previous recipients of the Thomas Keller Medal are:
1990 Alf Hansen (NOR)
1991 Thomas Greiner (GER)
1994 Yuri Pimenov (RUS)
1996 Francesco Esposito (ITA)
1996 Nikolai Pimenov (RUS)
1996 Rolf Thorsen (NOR)
1997 Giuseppe Abbagnale (ITA)
1997 Carmine Abbagnale (ITA)
1997 Jana Sorgers (GER)
1997 Thomas Lange (GER)
1998 Kerstin Koeppen (GER)
1998 Roland Baar (GER)
1999 Silken Laumann (CAN)
1999 Kathleen Heddle (CAN)
2001 Steve Redgrave (GBR)
2002 Marnie McBean (CAN)
2003 Peter Antoine (AUS)
2004 Nico Rienks (NED)
2005 Matthew Pinsent (GBR)
2006 Agostino Abbagnale (ITA)
2007 Mike McKay (AUS)