The prestigious Don Award was given out at a Sport Australia Hall of Fame gala last night and as previously reported by SwimSwam Cate Campbell was one of seven nominated for the award, but was eventually beat out by golfer Adam Scott.
Even though Campbell had a sensational year in the pool, it was not a surprise that Scott, who won the Masters championships to become the first Australian to dawn the green jacket, earned the award. The Masters is considered by many to be the most prestigious golf tournament held each year.
“I am humbled and honoured to have won this award and join many great champions before me,” Scott said via videolink at the SAHOF function at Crown Palladium.
“I’d like to congratulate the other finalists on their achievements this year and I’d like to thank the Sport Australia Hall of Fame for this honour.”
At the same event John Betrand, who first made his name as an iconic figure in sailing and is now the President of Swimming Australia had his position in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame elevated to the legend status, something that he was over the moon about, “To be next to the legends of sport, from Don Bradman through to Susie O’Neill, it’s just something myself and my family are over the moon about,” Bertrand said.
“It has been an amazing year.”
“Last month we celebrated our 30-year anniversary of the Australia II victory with all the sailing team, including Alan Bond and Bob Hawke in Sydney.”
“The US Oracle team skippered by Australian Jimmy Spithill won the Americas Cup on the same day, and here I am now being elevated to legend status.”