Swimming and Cycling feature prominently as ASPAs finalists named

In a good sign ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics, swimming and cycling dominate the finalists for this year’s annual AIS Sport Performance Awards (ASPAs) in Sydney.

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has released its finalists for the prestigious awards, the winners to be announced at gala ceremony at Star City Sydney on 24th February.

Cycling and swimming have seven and six finalists respectively, AIS Director Matt Favier confident both sports are tracking well for the Olympics in August.

Favier explained “the AIS consistently monitors the performances of all Olympic-potential athletes and sports, so we’re confident swimming and cycling are progressing well towards a strong contribution in Rio.

“The fact that so many of their athletes have also been nominated for their performances over the past year indicates they’re in fine form as we approach Olympic trials and the Games in August-September.

“The ASPAs recognise excellence in all Australian sport and there are 15 sports represented as finalists across eight categories determined so far. When you look at the international triumphs Australia enjoyed last year across so many different sporting codes, the standard of finalists is extraordinary.”

The public is still being invited to judge two awards, fans able to vote for the ABC Sports Personality of the Year and the Destination NSW Team of the Year.

Fans can cast their votes until 17th February at www.aisawards.abc.net.au

Sporting Moment of the Year – presented by Lion, The Complete Dairy
• North Queensland Cowboys win NRL grand final
• Jockey Michelle Payne wins the Melbourne Cup
• Jason Day wins US PGA Championship
• Socceroos triumph in Asian Cup

Female Athlete of the Year – presented by Berlei
• Annette Edmondson (Cycling)
• Emily Seebohm (Swimming)
• Bronte Campbell (Swimming)
• Kim Brennan (nee Crow) (Rowing)

Male Athlete of the Year – presented by 2XU
• Jason Day (Golf)
• Rohan Dennis (Cycling)
• Mitch Larkin (Swimming)
• Michael Matthews (Cycling)

Team of the Year – presented by Gatorade
• Socceroos (Football)
• Diamonds (Netball)
• Matt Belcher/Will Ryan (Sailing)
• Women’s Team Pursuit (Cycling)

Emerging Athlete of the Year – presented by Nestle
• Isis Holt (Para-Athletics)
• Ben Simmons (Basketball)
• Jacob Birtwhistle (Triathlon)
• Caleb Ewan (Cycling)

Para Performance of the Year – presented by Dairy Australia
• Angela Ballard (Athletics)
• Kathryn Ross/Gavin Bellis (Rowing)
• Alistair Donohoe (Cycling)
• Ellie Cole (Swimming)

Coach of the Year- presented by Melbourne Business School
• Gary Sutton (Cycling)
• Michael Cheika (Rugby Union)
• Michael Bohl (Swimming)
• Lisa Alexander (Netball)

Leadership Award – presented by Melbourne Business School
• Belinda Clark (Cricket)
• Mark Anderson (Swimming)
• Peter Conde (Sailing)
• Craig Tiley (Tennis)

Images: Caleb Ewan (top) and the Socceroos win at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup (below).

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