Three notable names within the Australian swimming community were honored at last night’s Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Sport Performance Awards (ASPAs) ceremony.
The awards, honoring those athletes excelling throughout Australian sport during the year 2015, took place at The Star casino in Sydney, with global names such as golfer Jason Day and rugby player David Pocock in attendance.
Aussie backstroking sensation, Emuily Seebohm, came away with the ASPA for Female Athlete of the Year, honoring her dominating double win at the 2015 FINA World Championships. Seebohm took home two individual golds at the meet, one in the 100m and the other in the 200m backstroke, establishing herself as a favorite for the podium come the 2016 Olympic Games. Seebohm also went on a World Cup tear, continuing to remain undefeated in her signature events across multiple stops on the circuit.
Upon accepting the ASPA award, Seebohm commented, “Australian swimming had a fantastic year in the pool in 2015 and I was so happy with what I achieved.”
Storied Aussie Coach Michael Bohl, also received a trophy, recognized as Coach of the Year, while Swimming Australia CEO Mark Anderson was presented with the 2015 ASPAs Leadership Award.
Bohl has Mitch Larkin, Madison Wilson, Bronte Barratt, Madeline Grove, Emma McKeon and Grant Irvine under his tutelage. Larkin was also a double World Champion in Kazan, Russia, picking up golds in the men’s version of the 100m/200m backstroke events.
Anderson has been at Swimming Australia’s helm since April 2013 after leading the Australian field hockey national teams. He was part of the post-London culture changes which took place within the organization, and has been credited with bringing valued management and business acumen to the role.
Below is the full list of ASPAs winners:
• David Pocock (ABC Sports Personality of the Year)
• Australian Diamonds (Destination NSW Team of the Year)
• Jason Day (2XU Male Athlete of the Year)
• Emily Seebohm (Berlei Female Athlete of the Year)
• Australian Diamonds, Women’s Team Pursuit, cycling (Gatorade Team of the Year)
• Michelle Payne (Lion, The Complete Dairy Sporting Moment of the Year)
• Ben Simmons (Nestle Emerging Athlete of the Year)
• Alistair Donohoe (Dairy Australia Para Performance of the Year)
• Michael Bohl (Melbourne Business School Coach of the Year)
• Mark Anderson (Melbourne Business School Award for Leadership)