Lauren Parker made it two in a row by picking up Sport NSW’s ‘Athlete of the Year with a Disability’ award at the Champions of Sports ceremony at The Star Sydney on Monday evening. The recently crowned ITU paratriathlon world champion (PTWC) was quick to share her appreciation on social media following the event. 

“Thrilled to win this award tonight,” Parker posted on her official Facebook page. “Huge thanks to all my amazing supporters & sponsors plus the crew at Triathlon NSW. Thanks also to Sport NSW for a great night. Well done to all nominees and winners.” 

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Parker topped an elite field of worthy nominees, including Erik Horrie (Rowing), Amanda Reid (Cycling), Oscar Stubbs (Cricket/Swimming), Tiffany Thomas-Kane (Swimming) and Kelly Wren (Tennis).

The 30-year-old from Newcastle Triathlon Club was also awarded her second straight ‘Ian Thorpe AM Outstanding Achievement Award’ from the NSW Institute of Sport last week, which came less than a month after receiving 'Comeback of the Year’ at the ninth annual Women’s Health Women In Sport Awards.

Across 13 categories, the finalists comprised outstanding NSW athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and organisations from a broad cross section of the NSW sports sector, with successes and achievements both within Australia and on the world stage.

Parker, who was involved in a freak training accident in 2017 that saw her paralysed from the waist down, was not the only Triathlon NSW member up for a Sport NSW award.

Under-23 ITU world championship silver medallist Lorcan Redmond (Maitland Triathlon Club) was recognised as a finalist for 'Young Athlete of the Year’ while TNSW’s very own Operations Manager and Interclub Series director Chris Cunningham (Sydney Triathlon Group) was up for ‘Administer of the Year’ on the night.

For a complete listing of winners, visit: sportnsw.com.au