Arrowfield Stud Male Athlete of the Year 2017 Finalists

The final award on the evening, the Arrowfield Stud Male Athlete of the Year recognises the excellent sporting achievements of male athletes in their chosen sport.

From legends such as Michael Milton and Ian Thorpe in 2003 and 2004, respectively, to Rio Olympics gold medallist Tom Burton in 2016, the Arrowfield Stud Male Athlete of the Year is steeped in history.

This year the finalists are:

• Riley Fitzsimmons (Canoe Sprint): Experienced a breakthrough year by claiming gold in the men’s K4 1000m at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships, as well as winning bronze in the men’s K2 1000m at the ICF U23 World Championships
• Jack Hargreaves (SUBC), Josh Hicks (SRC), Spencer Turrin (SRC) (Rowing): The NSWIS trio claimed gold in the men’s coxless four at the FISA World Rowing Championships, while also winning gold in the same discipline at the World Cup II in Poland
• Matthew Levy (Para Swimming): The three-time Paralympian, who trains out of North Sydney Swimming Club, added to his impressive career CV by claiming five gold medals at the 2017 Maccabiah Games, including a new world record in the 200m freestyle
• Murray Stewart (Canoe Sprint): Bounced back to regain his spot at the top of the canoe sprint world, winning K1 1000m and K4 1000m gold at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships
• James Turner (Athletics): ​Enjoyed a stellar that included world championship gold in the men’s T36 200m, 400m and 800m, as well as setting new 200m and 400m world records.
• Nicholas Yallouris (Cycling): Etched his name on Australia’s long list of cycling world champions with gold in the men’s team pursuit at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships

Chairman of Arrowfield Stud, John Messara, is delighted to sponsor the Male Athlete of the Year award.

“Arrowfield Stud’s work is all about nurturing world class equine athletes in the Hunter Valley region of NSW, where we’ve been based for more than three decades” said Messara.

“That makes partnering with the NSW Institute of Sport to sponsor the Male Athlete of the Year Award a perfect fit.

“Congratulations to all nominees on your year of exceptional performances and our best wishes for your success in the years ahead.”