As a result of his win in the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final on April 2 in Omaha, Neb., U.S. show jumper McLain Ward has won the U.S. Olympic Committee’s male athlete of the month award for April.

McLain Ward and HH Azur after winning the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final. Photo by Molly Sorge

The U.S. Olympic Committee awards male and female athlete of the month, athlete of the year, and athlete of the Games awards. Five female athletes, five male athletes and three teams are selected as finalists for the Best of the Month awards based on their competitive achievements over the past 30 days. The awards recognize athletes in all Olympic, Paralympic and Pan American sports, from archery to wrestling on the summer side, and alpine skiing to speedskating on the winter side.  The five nominees for the awards are voted upon by the public to determine the winner.

Each Athlete of the Month winner is also qualified for the year-end Athlete of the Year voting.