The Western Australian Institute of Sport in May celebrated the outstanding achievements of its staff and athletes over the past 12 months at the 2009 Champions Breakfast.
WAIS Executive Director Steve Lawrence highlighted the significant achievements made by WAIS staff and athletes in the past 12 months before Beijing Olympic gold medallist Steve Hooker addressed the breakfast and inspired future champions to prepare for the unexpected.
“I overcame illness and injury in the lead up to Beijing but I knew that I was the best prepared I could be in Beijing,” said the Olympic record holder. “I had thought out that perfect jump a hundred times before I cleared it,” Hooker said.
Olympic gymnast Lauren Mitchell was the first award recipient of the morning when she received the WAIS Athlete Career and Education Award for balancing her academic pursuits with her gymnastics, which saw Mitchell compete at the Beijing Olympic Games. Mitchell won the award ahead of hockey athlete Kate Denning and fellow gymnast Dasha Joura.
Cyclist Sarah Kent was lauded with the Junior Athlete of the Year for her standout performances both in junior and senior ranks. Kent won a silver medal as part of the senior teams pursuit squad, whilst she also claimed a silver medal at the junior Track Cycling World Championships in the individual pursuit. Kent won the award over another WAIS cyclist Luke Durbridge and pole vault starlet, Vicky Parnov.
Katrina Porter’s heroic effort in breaking the world record twice in a day in winning the 100m backstroke at the Beijing Paralympics won her the Disabled Athlete of the Year Award. The wheelchair basketball quartet of Justin Eveson, Michael Hartnett, Brad Ness and Shaun Norris were also nominated for the award.
Boxer Anthony Little received the Triumph Award for overcoming adversity to compete at the Beijing Games, where he was the only Australian athlete to win a bout. Little overcame an inadvertent doping ban, the passing of close family members and an arson attack on his training venue, to still represent his country in Beijing. Water polo bronze medallist Emma Knox and Dasha Joura were the other two nominees.
WAIS Chairman Grant Boyce presented the Chairman’s Award to equestrian athlete Sonja Johnson for her consistent high quality performance whilst exhibiting leadership qualitiesand up-holding strong WAIS values. Johnson edged out Steve Hooker and Todd Skipworth for the award.
The WAIS canoeing program was named the Sport Program of the Year ahead of a stellar field that included gymnastics, cycling and netball. The WAIS canoeing program was highlighted by having four athletes selected in the senior team for the first time, with an additional three athletes selected for the U-23 team.
WAIS Technical analysis officer Matt Doyle won the Best New Initiative Award for his work in developing a video feedback system and video goggles that have improved athlete training techniques. It was the second year in a row Doyle received the award.
The first section of awards were presented by the Minister for Sport and Recreation the Hon. Terry Waldron and recognized:
Athlete Career and Education Excellence – Lauren Mitchell (Gymnastics)
Junior Athlete of the Year – Sarah Kent (Cycling)
Disabled Athlete of the Year – Katrina Porter (Swimming)
Triumph Award – Anthony Little (Boxing)
The second section of awards were presented by WAIS Chairman Grant Boyce and recognized:
Best New Initiative – Matt Doyle
Sport Program of the Year – Canoeing
Chairman’s Award – Sonja Johnson (Equestrian)
