AWD

JACK GIBSON - BRETT STIBNERS AWARD

2022 AWD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Jack Gibson has established himself as a serious contender in para sport, rapidly rising up the ranks in triathlon, swimming and running over the past 12 months. In addition to being part of the AWD Squad, Jack is also part of the IAS Triathlon squad.

Jack placed 1st in the Under 14 Australian Para Junior Triathlon Championships. Jack won a variety of races in the 2021/22 Billigence Pathway Championships Series, placing 2nd overall in the Para division.

In the pool, Jack gained a silver medal in both the 100m and 50m Backstroke at the Australian Age Swimming Championships. He placed second in the 100m backstroke and third in the mixed medley relay at the Australian All Schools Swimming Championships. At the NSW Multiclass State Championships, he placed first in five events. Jack was selected in the Swimming NSW Para Development Squad.

Jack won the School Sport Australia Cross Country national title in the individual, relay and team events. He also won the NSW All Schools event.

Jack may be the youngest member of the IAS AWD squad, but he leads the squad and is continually supporting, encouraging and assisting his teammates.

“Jack is a great well rounded young athlete who has continued to improve immensely in his first year of the AWD program,” AWD Head Coach, Kurt Freeme said. “Jack has an extremely positive and driven attitude to his sports and learning. Jack is a driven young athlete who is always willing to try new things, push himself and develop in all aspects of his sports.”

13-year-old, Jack has a bright future, and we look forward to watching his journey. Congratulations Jack! Maydena, Tasmania in 2022, backing up from the win at the 2021 event.

Poppy proved her skill across multiple MTB discipling, winning the National Enduro Championships, an incredible feat for the 16-year-old.

“Achieving the performances Poppy has, is a true testament to her attitude and dedication,” IAS MTB Head Coach, Chris Clarke said.

Poppy is passionate about inspiring female cyclists; she holds rides and training sessions for aspiring women and coaches younger riders.

What a phenomenal year Poppy, congratulations!

The Ben Mikic Memorial Award, is granted in honour of former IAS Cycling Athlete Ben Mikic – a talented young rider who tragically died in a cycling accident in 2007. The recipient of the Award receives a $500 scholarship courtesy of the Ben Mikic Foundation.

POPPY POLLOCK - BEN MIKIC MEMORIAL AWARD

2022 CYCLING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Poppy Pollock is a dedicated and talented mountain bike athlete, reaching the pinnacle of her sport in 2022.

Poppy represented Australia in the Junior Downhill at the at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Les Gets, France where she placed 16th in the world.

Poppy secured her place in the Australian team after placing 3rd at the DHI National Championships in

JOSHUA SPARK

2022 BLUESCOPEWIN BASKETBALL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Joshua Spark has gone from strength to strength on and off the basketball court in 2022. Josh is a committed and focusesd athlete, who continues to strive for success on the basketball court.

Josh was one of the BluescopeWIN Basketball Captains, continually leading by example. At the 2022 Your Local Club Academy Games, Josh was one of the standout performers in the competition.

Josh represented NSW Country U16s at the Australian Basketball Championships in Perth. This was Josh’s second time donning the NSW blue, after previously representing NSW in 2019. He is a member of the Basketball NSW State Performance Program (SPP) and competed in the U16 Hoop Fest Tournament.

Josh was the Jr NBA Global Champion after representing the Asia Pacific team in virtual challenges throughout the COVID lockdowns.

“Josh has been a phenomenal leader in our program this year. Having been in the squad for the last 3 years, Josh led the way teaching and demonstrating our key values and work ethic every training session,” Basketball Coach, Maddy Delaney said.

“Josh’s presence in the squad has been instrumental to the junior and senior athletes promoting individual development and accountability.” Off the court Josh is a volunteer coach and assists in fundraising for Basketball Illawarra. Congratulations Josh, and good luck on your journey towards playing in the NBA.

EMERSON MCCREA

2022 BLUESCOPEWIN BASKETBALL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Emerson has had an outstanding twelve months, developing in leaps and bounds. Her determination and passion for basketball has put her in great stead for a huge future.

In 2022, Emerson represented NSW Country U16s at the Australian Basketball Championships. Her outstanding performance during the tournament led to her selection in the Australian Under 15 squad, and the opportunity to vie for selection in the team to compete at the 2022 FIBA Oceania Under 15 Championships in Guan in late November 2022.

15-year-old, Emerson was part of the Basketball NSW State Performance Program (SPP), the U17s D-League and the Basketball NSW Hoop Fest.

Emerson was one of the IAS Basketball Captains, positively contributing to the Academy and leading by example. She rose to the occasion at the Your Local Club Academy Games, dominating on the court, as well as refereeing.

“Emerson has approached this season with an extremely positive and motivated mindset assisting her in exceeding her goal of making the NSW Country team and going one step further with National squad selection,” IAS and NSW Country Basketball Coach, Maddy Delaney said.

”She is a kind-hearted, bubbly personality who involves the entire IAS Basketball Squad every time we take the floor at training. She is a great leader to our Squad, leading the way with her work ethic and communication.”

Good luck for the Australian selection, we look forward to following your journey. Congratulations on a fantastic year Emerson!