Georgia native and Tennessee track and field athlete Christian Coleman took home the 2017 Bowerman Award, college track and field's highest honor.

Coleman is Tennessee’s first athlete to win the award. Coleman is also the fourth consecutive Southeastern Conference athlete to win the Bowerman Award.

"This means a lot, just knowing the caliber of athletes who have won the award," Coleman said in a statement. "Knowing the type of accomplishments that Fred Kerley and Lindon Victor achieved, it means a lot to bring The Bowerman trophy back to Tennessee. I think it means a lot to the program too. I'm thankful for it and it has been a great experience."

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (right) reacts with her teammate, guard Rhyne Howard, after a basket during the second half of a WNBA basketball first-round playoff game against the Indiana Fever at Gateway Center Arena on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Atlanta. 
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com