NSWIS CEO Kevin Thompson’s pre-event admission that the judges had a tough job deciding upon the winners of each of the seven categories due to the quality of the finalists was confirmed when the prestigious Ian Thorpe AM Outstanding Achievement Award was shared by the indomitable Lauren Parker (photographed above) and the unstoppable Jakara Anthony.
The gala dinner at The Star Sydney, which was hosted with a tremendous warmth and energy by Olympian and Channel Seven’s Sunrise host Matt Shirvington, presented dignitaries, including Premier Chris Minns, Australian Olympic Chief Executive Matt Carroll, Paralympics Australia CEO Kate McLoughlin, and NSWIS Chair Gary Flowers, with the opportunity to acknowledge in their speeches the Institute’s contribution to the joy of sport – and an outstanding Olympic and Paralympic year.
The 2024 NSWIS Media Awards was a night with plenty to celebrate, but by its end there was no dispute the stars of the night – who did a mighty job of detailing their stories of grit, grace and glory – were the athletes and other award winners.
2024 NSWIS AWARD WINNERS
VALOUR MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Timothy Hodge (swimming)
NSW OFFICE OF SPORT FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Jessica Fox (canoe slalom)
IAN THORPE AM OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARAD PRESENTED BY POWERADE
Lauren Parker (Para triathlon and Para cycling)
Jakara Anthony (winter sport)
Award presented by Gemma Versteeg, Senior Brand Manager, Coca-Cola South Pacific and accepted on Jakara’s behalf by Geoff Lipshut, CEO Olympic Winter Institute of Australia.
Record breaking world cup season, 14 wins and a bronze medal from 16 starts. Besides rewriting the history books as the most successful Moguls skier in a World Cup season, Anthony brought home three Crystal globes.
Jakara Anthony: “I am beyond honoured to be taking home the Ian Thorpe Outstanding Achievement Award presented by Powerade. It’s been such a spectacular year for sport across Australia, and in particular our NSWIS athletes. It was a really exciting season for myself and my team who were able to take home 14 out of 16 World Cup wins which was the most out of any male or female from out sport [moguls] and take home three Crystal Globes on top of that.
“It’s really special to be recognised for that. A massive thank you to NSWIS for their continued support, I’m looking forward to see what we can do in the future.”