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Back to Race Walking

Race Walking Awards

Captain Ron Zinn Memorial Award

Given to the outstanding U.S. race walker to commemorate the achievements of Capt. Ron Zinn, who lost his life in combat during the Vietnam War. A race walker, he was a member of the U.S. Olympic Team in the 1964 Summer Games at Tokyo and his sixth place finish in the 20 km event was considered outstanding for American walkers at that time.

Henry Laskau Award

The Henry Laskau Award is presented to the year's outstanding U.S. junior male and female race walkers.  The award commemorates the achievements of Olympian Henry Laskau as an athlete and a person.  It was first presented in 2000.

Henry Laskau, now a member of the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame, was the first of the modern day race walkers who electrified the crowds at Madison Square Garden.  After losing his family to the concentration camps in World War II, Laskua found his way to America.  Switching from distance running to race walking, Laskua became a 3 time Olympian.   It was during the height of his career in 1951 when he brought the Garden’s crowd to its feet.  Laskau’s record walk of 6:19.2 for the mile that evening became a world record which stood for 12 years.  Henry competed in the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games.

Masters Race Walker of the Year Award

Each year, one male and one female masters class race walkers are chosen for the Masters Race Walker of the Year Award.

Masters Race Walker of the Year Award - Age Groups

Each year, one male and one female masters class race walkers are chosen in each age group for the Masters Race Walker of the Year Age Group Awards.

Committee Awards

Mike Riban Award

Given in memory of longtime supporter and official Mike Riban (Green & Gold AC, Chicago) to the outstanding contributor to the event.

Outstanding Association Award

The USATF Association which has distinguished itself during the year with race walking programs.

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