Dutch Athlete of the Year

[1] A shortlist is drawn up by a group of federation officials and sports journalists and then goes to a vote to the public.

[1][2] The award is presented at the annual end-of-year gala of the federation.

It was renamed to the KNAU Cup in 1947, as the eponymous Sauer had collaborated with the Nazis during World War II.

[5][6] Initially a mixed-gender award, the best Dutch male and female athletes were recognised separately from 1959 onwards.

[5] These were replaced in 2006 by a mixed-gender junior award known as the Talent of the Year.

Photo of Sifan Hassan holding up her arms after winning the 5000 metres on blue tracks
Middle- and long-distance runner Sifan Hassan was Dutch Athlete of the Year in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024.
Photo of Dafne Schippers with a dark background
Sprinter and heptathlete Dafne Schippers won from 2011 to 2017, more times than any other athlete.
Photo of Tinus Osendarp holding his arms wide at the finish line with an audience in the background
Sprinter Tinus Osendarp was the first winner for 1935, when it was called the Sauer Cup.