Australia’s most decorated snowboarder, Scotty James, has etched his name into the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) history books once again, claiming his third VIS Award of Excellence honour and in doing so, equaling the record held by Australian athletics legend, Catherine Freeman OAM.
The VIS Award of Excellence was held last night at Melbourne Recital Centre, where athletes and staff were recognised and celebrated for their incredible achievements over the past year.
The coveted award recognises a VIS athlete who has achieved outstanding sporting results in the year, alongside meaningful contributions to the promotion and development of their sport.
James previously won the award back-to-back in 2018 and 2019.
His 2025 win comes after an extraordinary season where he balanced elite competition, fatherhood and publishing new books, while cementing his name as a driving force in strategic investments - most notably as a strategic advisor and investor for the X Games.
“The first time I walked into the VIS I would have been 14 or 15 years old, and I had a dream of what I wanted to accomplish in snowboarding,” said James.
“I’m 31 now, but the VIS has been there every single step of the way, and we’ve been able to accomplish some amazing goals together.
“World Championships, Olympic medals, and to be honest, I couldn’t have done it without the VIS support. I’m very honoured, and very proud.”
On the snow this year, he claimed his fourth World Championship title, seventh X Games gold medal, and topped the podium at the LAAX World Cup.
Cementing his status as a global icon, James is now months out from competing at his fifth Winter Olympic Games where he hopes to bring home Olympic gold – the only gold that has eluded him so far.
James was among three finalists for the 2025 Award of Excellence, being joined by Para-cycling World Champions Emily Petricola OAM and Alana Forster.
The evening also saw the VIS recognise a number of other athletes who enjoyed success in sport and life throughout 2025.
The Para Athlete Award went to Forster, a Paralympic bronze medallist and leader on the international stage. Forster was crowned a double World Champion at the 2025 UCI Para Road World Championships in Belgium. Beyond racing Forster is a doctor and proud member of the Ballarat Sebastopol Cycling Club, where she serves as Vice President.
Hannah MacDougall was awarded the 2XU Performance Lifestyle Award, which recognises excellence from an athlete in their studies, career ambitions, and/or work setting whilst pursuing their sporting career.
MacDougall won gold at the Oceania Triathlon Para Championships, claimed bronze in the World Triathlon Series and claimed bronze at the World Triathlon Championships last month.
Beyond the podium, she continues to shine academically and professionally with multiple degrees, a PhD and contributes to academic research on elite Para-athlete wellbeing. Forster works as a Player Development Practitioner and Inclusion and Wellbeing Consultant, in addition to being an informal amputee mentor.
The Carbine Club Rising Star Award recognised one of Australia’s most exciting young talents, netballer Lily Graham.
Known for sinking ‘super shots’ in the Super Netball, Graham was part of the premiership-winning Melbourne Vixens team in 2025. In addition to her Vixens success, Graham earned U21 Australian selection for the 2025 Youth World Cup in Gibraltar, where the team went undefeated and Graham was named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Amongst three impressive Sarah/Sara finalists, the Sarah Tait Spirit Award was taken out by Australian basketballer, Sara Blicavs, who sacrificed her Paris Olympic dream to undergo a high-risk spinal fusion and disc replacement surgery.
Through sheer commitment and persistence, Sara not only returned to the court stronger than ever but also earned selection for the Australian Opals at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, where the team were ultimately crowned champions.
The Frank Pyke Achievement Award, presented to an athlete who enjoyed a successful sporting career, made a significant contribution to the VIS and their sport and who has since built a successful post-athletic career, was awarded to Paralympic Champion in athletics, Tim Matthews OAM.
The VIS congratulations all athletes and staff for their achievements in 2025. The grit, passion and relentless pursuit of excellence have shone through in both sport and life.
The VIS Award of Excellence was held last night at Melbourne Recital Centre, where athletes and staff were recognised and celebrated for their incredible achievements over the past year.
The coveted award recognises a VIS athlete who has achieved outstanding sporting results in the year, alongside meaningful contributions to the promotion and development of their sport.
James previously won the award back-to-back in 2018 and 2019.
His 2025 win comes after an extraordinary season where he balanced elite competition, fatherhood and publishing new books, while cementing his name as a driving force in strategic investments - most notably as a strategic advisor and investor for the X Games.
“The first time I walked into the VIS I would have been 14 or 15 years old, and I had a dream of what I wanted to accomplish in snowboarding,” said James.
“I’m 31 now, but the VIS has been there every single step of the way, and we’ve been able to accomplish some amazing goals together.
“World Championships, Olympic medals, and to be honest, I couldn’t have done it without the VIS support. I’m very honoured, and very proud.”
On the snow this year, he claimed his fourth World Championship title, seventh X Games gold medal, and topped the podium at the LAAX World Cup.
Cementing his status as a global icon, James is now months out from competing at his fifth Winter Olympic Games where he hopes to bring home Olympic gold – the only gold that has eluded him so far.
James was among three finalists for the 2025 Award of Excellence, being joined by Para-cycling World Champions Emily Petricola OAM and Alana Forster.
The evening also saw the VIS recognise a number of other athletes who enjoyed success in sport and life throughout 2025.
The Para Athlete Award went to Forster, a Paralympic bronze medallist and leader on the international stage. Forster was crowned a double World Champion at the 2025 UCI Para Road World Championships in Belgium. Beyond racing Forster is a doctor and proud member of the Ballarat Sebastopol Cycling Club, where she serves as Vice President.
Hannah MacDougall was awarded the 2XU Performance Lifestyle Award, which recognises excellence from an athlete in their studies, career ambitions, and/or work setting whilst pursuing their sporting career.
MacDougall won gold at the Oceania Triathlon Para Championships, claimed bronze in the World Triathlon Series and claimed bronze at the World Triathlon Championships last month.
Beyond the podium, she continues to shine academically and professionally with multiple degrees, a PhD and contributes to academic research on elite Para-athlete wellbeing. Forster works as a Player Development Practitioner and Inclusion and Wellbeing Consultant, in addition to being an informal amputee mentor.
The Carbine Club Rising Star Award recognised one of Australia’s most exciting young talents, netballer Lily Graham.
Known for sinking ‘super shots’ in the Super Netball, Graham was part of the premiership-winning Melbourne Vixens team in 2025. In addition to her Vixens success, Graham earned U21 Australian selection for the 2025 Youth World Cup in Gibraltar, where the team went undefeated and Graham was named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Amongst three impressive Sarah/Sara finalists, the Sarah Tait Spirit Award was taken out by Australian basketballer, Sara Blicavs, who sacrificed her Paris Olympic dream to undergo a high-risk spinal fusion and disc replacement surgery.
Through sheer commitment and persistence, Sara not only returned to the court stronger than ever but also earned selection for the Australian Opals at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, where the team were ultimately crowned champions.
The Frank Pyke Achievement Award, presented to an athlete who enjoyed a successful sporting career, made a significant contribution to the VIS and their sport and who has since built a successful post-athletic career, was awarded to Paralympic Champion in athletics, Tim Matthews OAM.
The VIS congratulations all athletes and staff for their achievements in 2025. The grit, passion and relentless pursuit of excellence have shone through in both sport and life.
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