Danika Osman is the 2015 Show-Me STATE GAMES Female Athlete of the Year
This summer, 24,375 athletes took part in the Show-Me STATE GAMES Olympic-style sports festival, many taking home gold, silver and bronze medals. Only two athletes receive the GAMES highest honor – Male and Female Athlete of the Year. The Show-Me STATE GAMES is pleased to announce Andy Gilmore and Danika Osman are the 2015 Missouri Lottery Athletes of the Year.
Danika Osman, age 10 from Columbia, is the 2015 Missouri Lottery Female Athlete of the Year. In her 6th year competing in the Show-Me STATE GAMES swimming event, Osman swept all of her races on her way to winning 10 gold medals and setting two new Show-Me STATE GAMES records. While achieving her great results, Danika maintains a positive attitude and encourages her competitors with a “good luck” before each race. Osman also takes part in road races and triathlons, as well as playing soccer, softball, volleyball, basketball and hip hop dance.
Andy Gilmore, age 34 from Columbia, is the 2015 Missouri Lottery Male Athlete of the Year. Gilmore set a new Show-Me STATE GAMES record in the High Jump, with an all-time best of 7’3”. Gilmore has participated in the Show-Me STATE GAMES for 15 years in various sports. His high jump achievement in 2015 puts him on the bubble of qualifying into the 2016 Olympic Trials! Gilmore also volunteers for the Missouri Valley Association of USA Track & Field and also serves as a coach for a number of aspiring high jumpers in Missouri.
34 year old Columbia resident Andy Gilmore
“We always look forward to selecting accomplished athletes of the year, individuals who embody the Olympic spirit of the Show-Me STATE GAMES,” said David Fox, Executive Director of the Show-Me STATE GAMES.
The Show-Me STATE GAMES has been recognizing a male and female athlete of the year since 1994. The criteria for selection of the Athlete of the Year award includes attitude and effort, the representation of the spirit of amateur athletics and the State Games movement, and overall athletic participation and achievement.
