The incredible achievements of Paris 2024 Olympians have dominated the list of finalists for this year’s Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Sport Performance Awards (ASPAs).
The ASPAs are the only annual national awards that celebrates the outstanding achievements of athletes, teams, coaches, volunteers and leaders in both Able and Para Australian high performance sport.
A total of 13 awards will be presented at the gala event on Wednesday 4 December in Melbourne, with the finalists judged not only on their success on the sporting arena, but also how they bring Australian sport’s united commitment of “we win well to inspire Australians” to life.
Nominated by sports, the 50 finalists represent 19 different sports, with female athletes, coaches and administrators making up more than half of the candidates vying for top honours in 2024.
The battle for Performance of the Year will be especially tight, with the six finalists responsible for some of the most memorable moments from the 2024 Games.
Swimmers Ariarne Titmus and Kaylee McKeown both feature after winning four and five medals respectively in Paris, as does Saya Sakakibara following her heart-warming gold medal triumph in BMX racing.
They will face stiff competition from the other three finalists; Lauren Parker and her history making double gold in cycling and triathlon, cyclist Grace Brown, who began the Paris party with Australia’s first gold medal, and Nikki Ayers and Jed Altschwager who won Australia’s first-ever Paralympic rowing gold in the PR3 Mixed Double Team.
Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said the 2024 ASPAs finalists show there is plenty to celebrate in Australian sport.
“2024 in sport has been a resounding success however you measure it,” Mr Perkins said.
“Australian high performance sport has never been so united through our commitment to the Win Well Strategy and the results of the past 12 months show we are on the right track with our home Games in Brisbane now just eight years away.
“While it’s no surprise our Olympians and Paralympians from Paris have dominated the list this year, it is pleasing to also see our winter and Commonwealth Games sports represented as they build-up to pinnacle events 2026.
“Congratulations to all our finalists. I look forward to celebrating what has been achieved next month.”
The ASPAs will also include the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award, in recognition of the crucial role volunteers play in Australian sport.
2024 AIS Sport Performance Awards Finalists
Performance of the Year
Ariarne Titmus, Swimming Australia
Australian PR3 Mixed Double Team, Rowing Australia
Grace Brown, AusCycling
Kaylee McKeown, Swimming Australia
Lauren Parker, AusCycling and AusTriathlon
Saya Sakakibara, AusCycling
Female Able-athlete of the Year
Ariarne Titmus, Swimming Australia
Jakara Anthony , Olympic Winter Institute of Australia
Jessica Fox, Paddle Australia
Kaylee McKeown, Swimming Australia
Female Para-athlete of the Year
Alexa Leary, Swimming Australia
Lauren Parker, AusCycling and AusTriathlon
Qian Yang, Table Tennis Australia
Vanessa Low, Athletics Australia
Male Able-athlete of the Year
Cameron McEvoy, Swimming Australia
Keegan Palmer, Skate Australia
Matt Wearn, Australian Sailing
Male Para-athlete of the Year
James Turner, Athletics Australia
Thomas Gallagher, Swimming Australia
Timothy Hodge, Swimming Australia
Coach of the Year
Christine MacLaren, Rowing Australia
Dean Boxall, Swimming Australia
Myriam Fox, Paddle Australia
Peter McNiel, Olympic Winter Institute of Australia
Emerging Athlete of the Year
Arisa Trew, Skate Australia
Callum Simpson, Swimming Australia
Grae Morris, Australian Sailing
Korey Boddington, AusCycling
High Performance Program of the Year
Athletics Australia High Performance Unit
Dolphins, Swimming Australia
Paddle Australia
Surfing Australia
Team of the Year
4x100m Women’s Freestyle Relay team, Swimming Australia
Aussie Stingers, Water Polo Australia
Men’s K4 500, Paddle Australia
Men’s Team Pursuit, AusCycling
PR3 Mixed Double Sculls, Rowing Australia
Win Well Award
Athletics Australia High Performance Program
Bowls Australia
CombatAUS
Gymnastics Australia High Performance Team
Sport Volunteer of the Year Award
Brendon Oliver-Ewen, Hobart OUT Tennis / Tennis Australia
Cristelle Mulvogue, Collingwood Park Power AFC / AFL
David Conran, Centenary Archers Club / Archery Australia
Julie Keillor, Shepparton Canoe Club /Paddle Australia
Community Engagement Award
Felicity Turner, Skate Australia
Nikki Ayers, Rowing Australia
Rhydian Cowley, Athletics Australia
Serena Bonnell, Bowls Australia
