Lauren Parker’s history making double gold in para triathlon and para cycling in Paris saw her claim two awards at the AIS Sport Performance Awards (ASPAs) at Centrepiece in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
Parker, who also took silver in cycling’s H1-3 individual time trial, was named Female Para Athlete of the Year for the second year running with her incredible efforts also earning her Performance of the Year.
“I’m absolutely honoured to receive both awards,” Parker said.
“I’m so happy that it just tops it off an amazing year I’ve had.
“My goals are my motivation. That’s what motivates me to get out of bed everyday, to push myself through the most difficult training sessions.
“I do all my training on my own. I’m on the bike and on the run chair just in my garage on every session. I go to the pool on my own to flog myself in the pool.
“It’s been a hard journey and I couldn’t be happier with the performances that I’ve had this year.”
The ASPAs are the only annual national awards that celebrates the outstanding achievements of athletes, teams, coaches, volunteers and leaders in Able and Para Australian high performance sport.
13 awards were presented on the night, with the finalists judged not only on their success on the sporting arena, but also how they bring Australian sport’s united commitment of “we win well to inspire Australians” to life.
Australian Sports Commission (ASC) CEO Kieren Perkins OAM congratulated the winners and finalists and said the event was a wonderful way to reflect and celebrate the incredible achievements of Australian high performance sport in 2024.
“The performances we are celebrating tonight reflects our united commitment to winning well and inspire Australians,” Perkins said.
“There has been so many outstanding achievements this year across Australian high performance sport and I can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring as we look towards the Winter Olympics and Paralympics and Commonwealth Games in 2026, Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032.”
“I’d also like to thank the Australian Government for their ongoing support of our athletes including record funding for high performance sport and commitment to upgrading the AIS Campus in Canberra which will provide us with a strong platform for future success.”
