If he had won he would have been the first African - American recipient of the award .
In 1954 , Bragg was one of the candidates for the prestigious James E. Sullivan Award that is presented annually by the AAU to the outstanding American athlete .
If Bragg had won Bragg would have been the first African - American one of the award .
In 1954 , Bragg was one of the candidates for the prestigious James E. Sullivan Award that is presented annually by the AAU to the outstanding American athlete .