John Zilcosky (supplied image)
John Zilcosky recognized by Journal of Sport History
Published: June 25, 2026
John Zilcosky, a professor in the department of Germanic languages and literatures in the University of Toronto's Faculty of Arts & Science, has received the 2025 Best Article Prize from the Journal of Sport History.
The annual award recognizes outstanding scholarship published in the journal and celebrates original contributions to the historical, social and cultural study of sport.
Zilcosky received the honour for his article, "Wrestling with My Father," which explores the intersections of sport, mythology, history, literature and art through memoir and interdisciplinary examination of a father-son relationship.
"A poignant, multi-layered meditation on a dysfunctional father-son relationship, Zilcosky’s essay is rigorous, creative, and in the end, hopeful," said Daniel Nathan, editor of the Journal of Sport History. "It’s a compelling fusion of mythology, the Bible, literature, art, sport, history and memoir.
"Zilcosky’s work is deeply personal, interdisciplinary, erudite, and signals the [Journal of Sport History]’s embrace of bold originality and fresh creative possibilities."
