Passion, persistence, and perseverance are only some of the words to describe Athens 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Kevin Burnham.
Both on and off the water, Kevin was known for his exuberance and kindness, which guided him as a sailor, a competitor, and as a coach. His remarkable legacy will be carried on through an endowed Award and a memorial Fund started by his wife, Elizabeth Kratzig, children Edward and Kyla Burnham, and lifelong friend Steve Benjamin, through the US Sailing Foundation.
The Award is open to sailors who competes or previously competed in Olympic classes and/or the Olympic Development Program.
It will be given annually to a competitor (or team of competitors) who best exemplifies Kevin’s spirit and embodies these characteristics: passion, perseverance, persistence, sportsmanship on and off the water, love of the sport and love of his/her competitors.
Award recipients’ names will appear on a perpetual plaque displayed beside the Olympic Torch which Kevin carried in the 1996 Games, located at the US Sailing headquarters in Bristol, RI.
Previous Award Recipients
2023 – Trevor Bornarth
2022 – Mark Ivey
2021 – Leo Boucher