Track and Field Olympic and Paralympic achievements recognised in Sport NSW Awards

4 November 2021

Track and Field Olympic and Paralympic achievements recognised in Sport NSW Awards

Sport NSW have announced today the finalists in their prestigious Sports NSW Awards for 2021. Track and field will be represented by five outstanding individuals - Nicola McDermott, Madison de Rozario, Matt Horsnell, Rhiannon Bellette and Janet Nixon.

Nicola McDermott’s record breaking 2021 year, which saw her become the first Australian women to clear two metres and then claim silver in the high jump at the Tokyo Olympics, sees her announcement in the Athlete of the Year category.

What company McDermott finds herself in:

-Cate Campbell (Swimming)

-Madison de Rozario (Para-Athletics)

-Jessica Fox (Paddle)

-Spencer Turrin (Rowing)

-Owen Wright (Surfing)

McDermott’s coach Matt Horsnell, has been named in the Coach of the Year category, following on from his previous honour as a finalists in 2019.

What amazing company Matt finds himself in:

Briony Akle Netball

Simon Cusack Swimming

Tom Dawson Cycling

Brad Fittler Rugby League

Ante Juric Football

Tokyo Olympic Games photo finish judge Janet Nixon is a finalist in the Official of the Year category. The world leading photo finish judge was at her fourth Olympics in Tokyo, following her first in 2000. Through the year Janet officiated at meets from all levels from club to international.

Sydney-based Western Australian, Madison de Rozario was announced as a finalist in the Athlete of the Year category. Nominated by Wheelchair Sports, Madison won two gold medals at the Tokyo Paralympics in the T53 800m and T54 marathon.

NSW Little Athletics nominee Rhiannon Bellette is a finalist in the Young Athlete of the Year with a Disability category. The Revesby Workers Centre under-11 athlete competes on the track and in field events.

The 2021 NSW Champions of Sport ceremony (originally to be held virtually) will now take place in person, held at CommBank Stadium on Monday, 24 January 2022.

Tickets can be purchased: https://www.sportnsw.com.au/events--networking/2021-nsw-sports-awards/

David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW

Image: Nicola McDermott & Matt Horsnell at the 2019 Sport NSW Aawrds (image courtesy of David Tarbotton)