This award honors the memory of Sam Skinner, a longtime San Francisco-based radio journalist, and is presented to an athlete, official, meet promoter, sports information director, coach or anyone who has shown exemplary cooperation with the media. Known originally as the Gold Medal Award, this recognition was initiated in 1990 during the presidency of Bert Rosenthal of the Associated Press.

Recipients of the award have been:

2019 - Leroy Burrell (University of Houston)
2018 - Shawn Price (Texas A&M)
2017 - Tom Jennings (Flash Results)
2016 - Sanya Richards-Ross (Austin)
2015 - Lance HARTER (University of Arkansas)
2014 - Dathan RITZENHEIN
2013 - Brigetta BARRETT (University of Arizona)
2012 - Tom JORDON (Prefontaine Classic)
2011 - Tom SURBER (USA Track and Field)
2010 - Dave JOHNSON (Penn Relays Director)
2009 - Vin LANANNA (University of Oregon Coach)
2008 - Al FRANKEN (Southern California meet promoter)
2007 - Phil PIERCE (Arkansas Women's SID)
2006 - Mike MAHON (Drake University SID)
2005 - John SMITH (UCLA and HSI Coach)
2004 - Allen JOHNSON (Olympic and World 110mHur Champion)
2003 - John McDONNELL (Arkansas Men's Coach)
2002 - Jill GEER (USA T&F Communications Director)
2001 - Stacy DRAGILA (Olympic Pole Vault Gold Medalist)
2000 - Bob EHRHART (Drake Relays Meet Director)
1999 - Howard SCHMERTZ (Millrose Games Meet Director)
1998 - Roger KINGDOM (Two-time Olympic 110mHur Gold Medalist)
1997 - Tom MOORE (Modesto Relays Meet Director)
1996 - Ruth WYSOCKI (Olympic 1500m Runner)
1995 - Lance DEAL (Olympic Hammer Throw Silver Medalist)
1994 - Jackie JOYNER-KERSEE (Olympic Heptathlon Gold Medalist)
1993 - Butch REYNOLDS (400m World Record Holder)
1992 - Mel ROSEN (USA Olympic Head Coach)
1991 - Patti Sue PLUMER (Olympic 1500m Runner)
1990 - Mike CONLEY (Olympic Triple Jump Gold Medalist)