Para triathlete Grace Brimelow is one of 32 athletes from 32 different sports who will share $150,000 in funding through the Sport Australia Hall of Fame 2026 Scholarship and Mentoring Program, and one of 10 athletes selected as a Tier 2 scholarship holder.
As a Tier 2 scholarship recipient, Grace will receive a $5,000 sporting expenses grant,and merchandise from the Sport Australia Hall of Fame partners, BLACKROLL and Grip Star Socks.
Grace is 18 years old and lives and trains on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. She races in the PTS5 classification and is currently 13th in the world rankings. She won Oceania Championships, and the Devonport World Series Race, and was 3rd in Yokohama in May 2025, and just last week secured a silver medal at the World Triathlon Championships in Wollongong.
Grace realised her dream of qualifying and being selected to represent Australia at the Paris Paralympic Games in 2024, in Triathlon. She was the youngest ever Para triathlete selected for Australia at the Paralympics.
Grace aspires to represent Australia in Para Triathlon, and Para Swimming by Brisbane 2032. She is all about making history. Her disability is unique, and not recognised fully in her sports. She is trailblazing to inspire others and change the face of Para sport for future generations.
Grace Brimelow said: “To be a Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship Holder is recognition that I am on a path to my dreams. It is recognition that others see in me what I believe in myself–that I can be great in the sports that I love.
“The support from the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship Program will assist me in focusing my efforts and commitment to representing Australia to the absolute best of my ability. I aim to one day, be the best in my sports, and this support will help me achieve that.”
The scholarship program is backed by the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Institute of Sport. Harvey Norman is co-sponsor through its three-year Gold Sponsorship with the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, which commenced in February 2025. This partnership supports the Hall of Fame’s Scholarship & Mentoring Program, reinforcing Harvey Norman’s commitment to Australian sport and athletes both on and off the field.
Australian Sports Commission Chair Kate Jenkins AO congratulated the 2026 scholarship recipients.
“The Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship program embodies everything we are striving for at the Australian Sports Commission, producing well-rounded individuals who are set up for success beyond sport. The record number of applications is a testament to this important initiative.
“I congratulate all the recipients and wish them well for their future endeavours.”
Sport Australia Hall of Fame Chair and legend of Australian Sport, John Bertrand AO, said:
“We are proud to welcome the next generation of elite junior athletes into our 2026 Scholarship & Mentoring Program. This initiative is a place where talent meets opportunity and dreams are fuelled by the guidance and support of some of Australia’s GREATEST sporting stars.
“Hall of Famers Michael Milton, Louise Sauvage, Adam Gilchrist, Robbie McEwen, Libby Trickett and Dr Lauren Burns – what an incredible group of Australian sporting champions to mentor these young athletes.
“This program is made possible through the generosity of our Members, and we are grateful to them for sharing their personal experiences and wisdom to inspire and guide these young athletes to strive for excellence, embrace challenges with courage, and pursue their dreams through the highs and lows of elite sport.
“We also extend our sincere gratitude to our partners, the Australian Sports Commission incorporating the Australian Institute of Sport and Harvey Norman, for their invaluable support in making this program possible.
“We look forward to supporting these 32 young athletes to grow, learn and take their sporting journeys to new heights.”
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame received a record 341 submissions for the 2026 scholarships, with an applicant pool comprising 154 males (45 per cent) and 187 females (55 per cent), including 26 para sport athletes (7.6 per cent). Applications were submitted from every state (except the Northern Territory), with New South Wales leading at 31 per cent and the east coast of Australia accounting for 78 per cent of the total.
The 2026 Tier 2 scholarship holders are:
- Jack McShane (20, 2024 Australian Indoor Lawn Bowls champion)
- Keefer Wilson (2024 Paris Olympian in skateboarding, 8th place)
- Maddison Brooks (2024 Paris Olympics hockey player)
- James Johnstone (snowboarding)
- Grace Brimelow (triathlon – para)
- Nya Hayman (weightlifting)
- Maggie Grey (diving)
- Charlotte Wilson (mogul skiing)
- Alicia Tan (rhythmic gymnastics)
- Jye Dixon (boxing)
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame received a record 341 submissions for the 2026 scholarships, with an applicant pool comprising 154 males (45 per cent) and 187 females (55 per cent), including 26 para sport athletes (7.6 per cent). Applications were submitted from every state (except the Northern Territory), with New South Wales leading at 31 per cent and the east coast of Australia accounting for 78 per cent of the total.
About the Sport Australia Hall of Fame:
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame preserves and celebrates the history of Australian sport while inspiring all Australians to achieve their potential. Guided by values of courage, sportsmanship, integrity and excellence, SAHOF honours its Members’ achievements and provides unparalleled opportunities to future generations.
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship & Mentoring Program, established in 2006, has supported over 267 young athletes in 58 sports. The program connects scholarship holders with SAHOF Members, providing life-changing personal development, work-life balance guidance and media training. Expanded in 2020 to a three-tiered structure, the program now ensures even greater opportunities for Australia’s emerging sporting talent.
