NSWIS Awards honour world-beating champions

Three-time Olympic gold medallist Jessica Fox added yet another accolade to her impressive collection after receiving the prestigious NSW Office of Sport Female Athlete of the Year Award at the 2024 NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Awards in Sydney on Monday night. 

Adding to the Fox family’s celebrations was Myriam Fox, who guided her two daughters to win each of the three women’s canoe slalom gold medals on offer at the Paris Olympics, being named Coach of the Year. 

Jessica Fox created history at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by becoming the first canoe slalom athlete to win the C1 and K1 events at the same Olympics; by becoming the first Olympic canoe slalom athlete to podium six times, and for eclipsing household names, including Ian Thorpe, Shane Gould and Anna Meares, as the first Australian athlete to win six individual Olympic medals. 

In front of a star-studded audience which included Premier Chris Minns, Sports Minister Stephen Kamper, leaders from Australia’s sports industry, Olympians, Paralympians and world championship athletes, 30-year-old Fox triumphed in a category which included some of Australian sport’s greatest figures. 

Among the finalists was her younger sister Noemie Fox, who won the inaugural kayak cross event’s Olympic gold medal; Paris Olympics BMX gold medallist, Saya Sakakibara; Lauren Parker, who won two gold medals and a silver for Para Triathlon and Para cycling at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and moguls superstar Jakara Anthony, who created history by winning 14 gold medals and a bronze from 16 starts during the northern hemisphere’s world cup season. 

Fox, who has been a NSWIS Scholarship holder for 15 years, said receiving the award capped a memorable year. 

“I’m very honoured and grateful for the recognition,” said Ms Fox of her award. 

“I’m very grateful for the support from NSWIS over the last four Olympic cycles. It’s been an incredible year of sport for our country and our state, and to be alongside the other incredible women in the room makes me so proud of our team and our Institute. 

“I am very grateful to all who have been part of my journey and for the support of NSWIS for our program, getting water time, equipment, coaching, psych and nutrition support has made a world of difference for our preparation towards our most successful [Olympic] Games. So, thank you.” 

Timothy Hodge was named the Valour Male Athlete of the Year for his gold medal winning performances in the swimming pool at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Hodge fulfilled his dream when he broke through for not one, but two, prized Paralympic gold medals as well as a silver to add to those he received at previous Games.  

Sailing’s Grae Morris, who as a 20-year-old won the silver medal at the Paris Olympics for the iQFOiL (windsurfing) – an event he described as a ‘cross country race on water with a touch of rugby thrown in’ – was awarded Southern Design Young Athlete of the Year. 

The incredible efforts by Lauren Parker and Jakara Anthony on the world stage ensured they shared the Ian Thorpe AM Outstanding Performance Award presented by Powerade.  

Parker was acknowledged for fighting back from a nightmarish cycling accident during a training session in the leadup to the Paris Paralympic Games. Despite Parker’s body having to adapt to the discomfort and pressure the injuries caused to her pelvis, sacrum and hips, the determination she displayed during her events was an inspiration to all Australians. 

Anthony was rewarded for dominating the northern hemisphere’s moguls events which resulted in her rewriting the record books for most victories by a moguls skier in a world cup season (14 from 16 starts) and for also returning home with three Crystal Globes. 

Seventeen-year-old diver Ellie Cole was the recipient of the NSWIS Personal Excellence Award. The teenager showed incredible discipline to not only train to such a high standard, placing seventh at her debut Olympics, but Cole also managed to maintain such scholastic excellence she was offered early entry to the University of NSW’s Bachelor of Engineering program. 

Athletics was named the Sydney Olympic Park Authority Program of the Year. It was rewarded for embodying the Institute’s values and missions; for showcasing leadership and integrity while fostering excellence, and for its outstanding contribution to Australia’s athletics success at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

NSWIS CEO Professor Kevin Thompson congratulated each winner.  

“By any measure, the finalists in each field are recognised as ‘world class’,” said Professor Thompson.   

“The judges had a very difficult time deciding upon the finalists and winners, but I think they’d agree the aim of NSWIS is to do our part to ensure our Scholarship holders win medals at major events, so the tough decisions reflect the calibre of performances by our athletes, teams and staff 

“We were fortunate so many did that during an Olympic and Paralympic year, and it’s a great source of pride for everyone at NSWIS to see them do so well because it means we’re providing our athletes with world’s best training facilities and support.” 

“I congratulate each of the winners, but I also acknowledge the finalists and, indeed, every athlete who was nominated for an award because they have all played an incredible part in a memorable year for Australian sport.” 

                         2024 NSWIS AWARD WINNERS  

• NSW Office of Sport Female Athlete of the Year: Jessica Fox (Canoe Slalom) 
• Valour Male Athlete of the Year: Timothy Hodge (Swimming) 
• Southern Young Athlete of the Year: Grae Morris (Sailing) 
• Ian Thorpe AM Outstanding Achievement presented by Powerade: Lauren Parker (Triathlon and Cycling); Jakara Anthony (Winter Sports) 
• NSWIS Personal Excellence: Ellie Cole (Diving) 
• Sydney Olympic Park Authority Program of the Year: Athletics  
• Coach of the Year: Myriam Fox 

For full details on Award Finalists, please visit nswis.com.au

Daniel Lane, NSWIS