Magnus, our founder and executive program director, was awarded the Kevin Burnham Memorial Award during a ceremony at the New York Yacht Club this evening.

Expression of Gratitude

Thank you, EK, Benji, and the committee for keeping Kevin‘s incredible spirit alive through this award. I am both humbled and grateful to now be a recipient of it.

Most people know Kevin and I were 'older' gold medalists, but our connection goes back much further. In 1992, I was in Barcelona to cheer for Team USA. Halfway through the regatta, Kevin and Morgan were struggling. We met on the lay day, and I did my best to give Kevin the same kind of push he gave so many others. They went out the next day, turned things around, and won the Silver medals.

Kevin told me then, 'Magoo, if I can do it, YOU can do it.' Those words stayed with me for eight years until Mark and I reached the top of the mountain in Sydney. Seeing us up there fueled Kevin's desire to return and win his Gold in Athens.

Kevin Burnham was the king of the 'never-give-up' attitude. To receive an award in his name from the people who knew him best is a reminder that the way we compete is just as important as the medals we win.

About the Award

The Kevin Burnham Memorial Award is a prestigious honor in the world of competitive sailing, established to remember the Olympic gold medalist Kevin Burnham. It is designed to recognize athletes who embody the spirit, passion, and competitive drive that Kevin was known for throughout his career.

To understand why the Kevin Burnham Memorial Award is so meaningful, we first have to look at the man who inspired it. Kevin Burnham wasn't just a fast sailor; he was a legend of the 470 Class (a two-person Olympic dinghy) whose career spanned decades and included some of the most iconic moments in US sailing history.

The Kevin Burnham Legacy

The Kevin Burnham Memorial Award is a prestigious honor in the world of competitive sailing, established to remember the Olympic gold medalist Kevin Burnham. It is designed to recognize athletes who embody the spirit, passion, and competitive drive that Kevin was known for throughout his career.

The Kevin Burnham Memorial Award isn't just about who crossed the finish line first; it's about how they conducted themselves while getting there. Because Kevin was known for his "soul" as much as his speed, the selection criteria focus on the human side of elite sport.

The Core Values

Here are the specific values the committee looks for in a nominee:

Persistence and Grit: Like Kevin’s 25-year journey to gold, the award honors those who show a "never-give-up" attitude in the face of setbacks.
Spirit and Charisma: Kevin was famous for his infectious energy. Nominees are often those who make the boat park a better place just by being there.
Mentorship: A key requirement is a willingness to give back. The winner is usually someone who actively helps younger or less experienced sailors improve.
Passion for the Sport: This goes beyond winning. It’s about a deep, lifelong love for being on the water.

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 a coach. His remarkable legacy will be carried on through an endowed Award and a memorial Fund established by his wife, Elizabeth Kratzig, his children, Ed and Kyla Burnham, and lifelong friend Steve Benjamin, through the US Sailing Foundation.

The Selection Process

The award is managed by US Sailing and is typically presented at their annual meeting. Unlike a purely stats-based award (like "Sailor of the Year"), this one relies heavily on nominations from the community.

Here are the specific values the committee looks for in a nominee:

Eligibility: Open to sailors of all ages who compete at a high level.
Nomination: Fellow sailors, coaches, or officials submit stories of the athlete's character.
Symbolism: The award honors someone who "lifts the spirits" of those around them.

The Award is open to sailors who compete or have 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.

2024 Ian MacDiarmid
A standout in the high-performance 49er skiff, Ian was recognized for his sportsmanship and "love of his competitors"—a classic Burnham trait.
2023 Trevor Bornarth
Honored for his dedication to the sport and for embodying the persistence required to compete at the Olympic level.
2022 Mark Ivey
A world-class coach and sailor. His nomination famously described him as "everyone’s favorite person to lose to," highlighting his incredible sportsmanship.
2021 Leo Boucher
The inaugural winner. A champion singlehanded sailor (ILCA/Laser) who set the standard for what the award represents: grit combined with a positive spirit.