Inspiring achievements recognised at NSWIS Awards

The achievements of New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athletes at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and world championships have been recognised in nominations for the 2026 NSWIS Awards.

This year’s NSWIS Awards will also celebrate the Institute’s first 30 years. Since the Institute began in 1996, NSWIS has made a huge contribution to Australian sport, supporting 304 world champions, 146 Olympic Summer medallists, 88 Summer Paralympic medallists, seven Olympic Winter medallists and seven Winter Paralympic medallists.

Congratulating the finalists across seven award categories, NSWIS CEO Kirsten Thomson OLY said the nominees demonstrate the calibre of athletes supported by the Institute.

“NSWIS athletes performed magnificently on the world stage at the Milano Cortina Games and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, winning a combined 35 medals,” Ms Thomson said.

“The quality of each nominee demonstrates the immense talent of NSWIS athletes as well as their determination and resilience.  I congratulate them on their nomination and look forward to celebrating their achievements.”

Ms Thomson, a NSWIS alumna who won a silver medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, said the nominees added to the Institute’s proud legacy of international sporting success.

“Over the past 30 years, we have seen sport transform, unite and inspire NSW communities while helping to build a healthier, more connected state. Our athletes’ achievements inspire Australians to dream boldly and pursue their goals.”
The 2026 award finalists are:

Mizuno Personal Excellence
Ally Hickman, Winter Sports
Caitlin McManus-Barrett, Rowing
Emma Bosco, Winter Sports
George Murphy, Winter Sports
Indra Brown, Winter Sports
Jackson Harvey, Winter Sports
 
Coach of the Year, presented by NSW Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality & Sport
Alison Bombardier, Winter Sports
Jake Michael, Canoe Sprint
Kate Blamey and Peter McNiel, Winter Sports
 Myriam Fox, Canoe Slalom
 
NSWIS Sport Program of the Year
Athletics
Canoe Sprint
Skateboard
Winter Sports
Women’s Water Polo
 
Ian Thorpe AM Outstanding Achievement, presented by Powerade
Beau Mitchell, NSWIS Coach, Skateboard
Cooper Woods, Winter Sports
Emma-Sue Greentree, Boxing
Jakara Anthony OAM, Winter Sports Jessica Fox OAM, Canoe Slalom
Tamara Martens, Head of Movement Science, NSWIS
 
Valour Young Athlete of the Year
Ally Hickman, Winter Sports
Chloe Osborn, Swimming
Grae Morris, Sailing
Indra Brown, Winter Sports
Isaac Beacroft, Athletics
Molly Picklum, Surfing
 
Valour Male Athlete of the Year
Ben Tudhope, Winter Sports
Cooper Woods, Winter Sports
Gordon Allan, Cycling
Grae Morris, Sailing
Matthew Graham, Winter Sports
Timothy Hodge OAM, Swimming
 
NSW Office of Sport Female Athlete of the Year
Jakara Anthony OAM, Winter Sports
Jessica Fox OAM, Canoe Slalom
Josie Baff, Winter Sports
Molly Picklum, Surfing
Nicola Olyslagers, Athletics
 

The winners of each category will be announced at the NSWIS Awards on the evening of Wednesday 28 October at the Sydney Event Centre.

NSWIS thanks the NSW Government, the NSW Office of Sport, NSW Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality & Sport, Mizuno, Powerade and Valour for their support.

NSWIS Media