Olympic and Paralympic athletes spend years training, but they are not doing it alone. Coaches, trainers, fellow athletes, family and more are by their side every step of the way. The Order of Ikkos gives athletes the opportunity to recognize people who have supported their journey to the Games.

The Order of Ikkos was created by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee in 2008. It is presented by Team USA medal-winning athletes to a coach, mentor or other individual who has been instrumental in their success. The Order of Ikkos is named after Ikkos of Tarentum, the first recorded Olympic coach in ancient Greece. His coaching led multiple Tarentine athletes to gold medals in the pentathlon, and his legacy is honored through this award. 

Each medalist is allowed to present only one medal to a selected recipient. Oftentimes, the medallion is given to an influential coach, but that is not always the case. Michael Phelps gave the Order of Ikkos to his mother for her endless support. Snowboarder Chloe Kim gave the Order of Ikkos to longtime teammate Kelly Clark for the mentorship and encouragement Clark had provided throughout the Games.

Each medallion is uniquely designed for the Olympic and Paralympic Games that year. It is often presented in a ceremony hosted at Team USA House, a designated location put aside exclusively for U.S. athletes resting in-between events at the Games. 

Here is a full list of Team USA Order of Ikkos recipients.