The nominations for the 2022 Australian Institute of Sport’s High-Performance Awards are in. And the list is headlined by some huge names.
2022 produced some incredible and electric moments in sport. Some of the best we’ve seen.
It’s been a year that included the Winter Olympics in Beijing, a huge Constellation Cup, and plenty of World Cups of course. So many great Aussie athletes delivered performances for the ages.
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has just released the finalists for their High-Performance Awards; stacked with star-studded talent.
The Only Sports Show | Latest episode:
The Australian swim team dominated the list with several swimmers earning a nomination.
Athletics and rugby also contributed strongly with a number of names in the sport also appearing on the list.
The AIS have released the list of finalists for all twelve awards as shown below. Winners will be announced at an award ceremony in Sydney on the 15th of December.
Female Athlete of the Year
Alyssa Healy (Cricket), Charlotte Caslick (Rugby), Jakara Anthony OAM (Winter Olympics), Jessica Stenson (Athletics), Liz Watson (Netball)
There is no doubt that there are some superstars in this category. Alyssa Healy’s World Cup heroics were remarkable. Meanwhile, Jakara Anthony’s efforts at the Winter Olympics also made up one of the great moments of the year.
Female Para-athlete of the Year
Emily Petricola (Cycling), Jessica Gallagher (Rowing), Katja Dedekind (Swimming), Qian Yang (Table Tennis)
These women were unstoppable in 2022. Katja Dedekind delivered an impressive performance in the pool as she ended her time at the Birmingham Games with a gold medal and a record-breaking time. Qian Yang also had a year to remember at the world para-table tennis championships where she earned two golds. Whilst Jessica Gallagher and Emily Petricola were a force to be reckoned this year.
Male Athlete of the Year
Cam Smith (Golf), Kieran Woolley (Skating), Scott James (Winter Olympics), Zac Stubblety-Cook (Swimming)
This category has a fierce bunch of names all contending for the male athlete of the year. From Cam Smith’s golfing catching attention worldwide to Scott James causing a storm on the slopes, it’ll be anyone’s award to win next month.
Male Para-athlete of the Year
Ben Tudhope (Snowboarding), Col Pearse (Swimming), Ryley Batt (Wheelchair Rugby), Tim Hodge (Swimming)
Australia was represented strongly in the pool this year, with both Col Pearse and Tim Hodge contributing to the country’s successful campaign. Also contributing was Australian Steeler Ryley Batt who was recognised for his performance during the World Championships in October.
Coach of the Year
Alexander Stewart (Athletics), Brad Dubberley (Wheelchair Rugby), Peter McNiel and Kate Blamey (Winter Olympics), Tim Walsh (Rugby)
Behind every player or team is a coach that aims for the highest possible standard, and the nominees in this category prove that. After leading Australia to a win in the wheelchair rugby World Championships, it’s no surprise that Brad Dubberly makes an appearance in the list. Tim Walsh and his work with the Australian women’s rugby sevens team earned him an award too.
Emerging Athlete of the Year
Donnell Wallam (Netball), Maddison Levi (Rugby), Nina Kennedy (Athletics), Valentino Guseli (Winter Olympics)
The future of Australian sports looks bright with talented names like these. Australian Diamond Donnell Wallam shone brightly in 2022, her heart-stopping goal at the final whistle against England among the highlights. Also among the year’s highlights was pole vaulter Nina Kennedy who dazzled in the Birmingham Games.
High Performance Program of the Year
Athletics Australia, Olympic Winter Institute of Australia, The Australian Dolphins, Wheelchair Rugby
The nominees in this category all dominated this year. With all four nominees having successful campaigns, it will no doubt be a difficult decision to crown the high performance program for 2022.
Award for Leadership
Andrew Faichney (Athletics), Ben Houston (Sailing), Jamie Fernandez (Rowing), Petria Thomas (Commonwealth Games Australia)
Over the year, the names in this category all demonstrated leadership. A mix of established and emerging individuals sees that anyone could take out the win on this one.
Team of the Year
Australian Steelers Wheelchair Rugby Team, Australian Women’s Cricket Team, Hockeyroos, Women’s Rugby 7’s
All nominees are deserving of their place in this category. The thrilling victory of Australia defeating New Zealand during the women’s rugby sevens world cup was a memorable moment in 2022. The Hockeyroos winning silver in Birmingham also was moment for the history books.
Community Engagement Award
Caitlin Ward (AusCycling)
Carol Cooke (AusCycling)
Kyle Vander-Kuyp (Athletics Australia)
Rhydian Cowley (Athletics Australia)
These athletes named as finalists are also scoring big off-field. Their efforts to contribute to their community positively has seen them recognised.
Win Well Award
Athletics Australia
Golf Australia
Olympic Winter Institute of Australia
Victorian Institute of Sport
In its first year, all eyes will be on which organisation takes out the win well award. This award aims to recognise those who are high performing and successful.
Sport Volunteer of the Year
Nicole Williams (Cricket Australia), Amanda Bowman (Golf Australia), Tea-Rose Passon (Surf Life Saving Australia), Theodora Niakolas (Special Olympics Australia)
Another new inclusion to the awards, this category recognises the importance of those that work tirelessly to make sport enjoyable for everyone at all levels.
