Best Male Athlete of 2014 - #3: Sam Mikulak

 

As 2014 draws to a close, we are going back over the very best moments, meets, videos, and athletes from the entire year. Today we are naming the Best Male Athletes of 2014 and in third place is Sam Mikulak. 

 

Mikulak started his elite year on a high note claiming the all-around title at the AT&T American Cup. This competition is the most prestigious international competition held in the U.S. and is part of the FIG World Cup series. 

 

In the spring, he completed his senior season at the University of Michigan where he helped lead the team to back to back National Championships. As an individual, Mikulak claimed his second consecutive and third total NCAA all-around title. For his successful senior year, he was named the 2014 recipient of the prestigious Nissen Emery Award, given annually to the NCAA's top male gymnast. After the 2014 NCAA Championships, Mikulak totaled seven career NCAA titles, putting him in a three-way tie for the most crowns of all-time.

 

In the summer, Mikulak went on to compete at the Anadia World Challenge Cup, an individual event competition, where he earned three medals- a gold on high bar, silver on floor, and bronze on parallel bars.



At the 2014 P&G Championships, Mikulak rallied after a rough first day to win the all-around title - his second consecutive. This back to back title is impressive in its own right but even more so because of the fashion in which Mikulak acheived the feat. After day one he was in fourth place and was never in the lead throughout day two until the very end when he clinched the all-around gold.

 

Mikulak was selected to represent USA at the World Championships and helped the team win a bronze medal. He qualified for all-around finals but struggled during the competition and finished 12th overall. 

 

Mikulak is not only known for his gymnastics but also for his unusually calm and cool personality. Get to know Mikulak more in our behind the scenes feature Beyond the Routine: Sam Mikulak. Watch the trailer below.



Watch Beyond the Routine: Sam Mikulak Episode 1 here.



Related:
Best of 2014 Master List