Minister for Sport Mark Arbib tonight announced Olympic aerial skiing champion Lydia Lassila as the 2010 Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Athlete of the Year at a gala presentation in Canberra.Lassila was selected from an impressive list of finalists for the prize, including Australian Common wealth Games stars Alicia Coutts (swimming), Matthew Cowdrey (Paralympic swimming), Jamie Dwyer (hockey), Anna Meares (cycling) and world No.1 Laser sailor Tom Slingsby.Lassila’s award caps off an outstanding year which saw her make a memorable presentation for Australia to win gold at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada.
Senator Arbib said Lassila’s performance was inspiring for other sportspeople and the wider Australian community.“Lydia has proven herself to be a world class champion both on and off the ski slopes,” Senator Arbib said.“Her gold medal presentation in Vancouver captured the hearts of all Australians and stands as one of the truly great moments in Australian sport.“The AIS continues to be an international leader, working with sports to develop elite talent like Lydia who shine on some of the world’s toughest sporting stages.”
Lassila becomes the 27th winner of the Institute’s top award, joining some of Australia’s best athletes.Previous winners contain walker Kerry Saxby-Junna (1986-89), swimming greats Michael Klim (1998 and 1999) and Petria Thomas (2001 and 2002) and gymnast Philippe Rizzo (2001 and 2006).The AIS Junior Athlete of the Year was awarded to outstanding 19-year-old gymnast Lauren Mitchell.In October Mitchell collected four gold medals at the Common wealth Games in Delhi and created history by becoming the first Australian female gymnast to win a world title, claiming gold on floor in Rotterdam, Netherlands afterward that month.
Senator Arbib said Lassila’s performance was inspiring for other sportspeople and the wider Australian community.“Lydia has proven herself to be a world class champion both on and off the ski slopes,” Senator Arbib said.“Her gold medal presentation in Vancouver captured the hearts of all Australians and stands as one of the truly great moments in Australian sport.“The AIS continues to be an international leader, working with sports to develop elite talent like Lydia who shine on some of the world’s toughest sporting stages.”
Lassila becomes the 27th winner of the Institute’s top award, joining some of Australia’s best athletes.Previous winners contain walker Kerry Saxby-Junna (1986-89), swimming greats Michael Klim (1998 and 1999) and Petria Thomas (2001 and 2002) and gymnast Philippe Rizzo (2001 and 2006).The AIS Junior Athlete of the Year was awarded to outstanding 19-year-old gymnast Lauren Mitchell.In October Mitchell collected four gold medals at the Common wealth Games in Delhi and created history by becoming the first Australian female gymnast to win a world title, claiming gold on floor in Rotterdam, Netherlands afterward that month.
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