Seward swimmer Lydia Jacoby is one of 38 nominees for the prestigious Sullivan Award

Olympic swim champion Lydia Jacoby of Seward is one of 38 athletes nominated for the prestigious Sullivan Award, an honor that dates back to 1930.

Jacoby, 17, pulled off one of the biggest surprises at the Tokyo Olympics this summer by winning the gold medal in the women’s 100-meter breaststroke. She added a silver medal in the women’s medley relay.

The Sullivan Award goes to the top amateur athlete in the country. Winners have come from a wide range of sports and include Michael Phelps (2003), Peyton Manning (1997), Bruce Jenner (1976) and Wilma Rudolph (1961).

Alaskans can help Jacoby’s chances by voting online at the Amateur Athletic Union website. Voting closes Sept. 27 at 7:50 p.m. Alaska time.

A winner will be announced at an Oct. 22 ceremony in Orlando, Florida.

Jacoby faces stiff competition -- other nominees include Simone Biles, Allyson Felix and U.S. Swimming teammate Caeleb Dressel.

No Alaskan has won the Sullivan Award but a handful have been nominated, including bowler Ron Mohr in 1992 and skier Tommy Moe in 1994.

No award was bestowed in 2020. The 2019 award was a tie between basketball player Sabrina Ionescu and wrestler Spencer Lee.