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Para-rowers Jed Altschwager and Nikki Ayers were among the highest achievers, greatest contributors and most dedicated community members honoured by Rowing Australia at the recent gala event in Canberra.
Altschwager and Ayers were announced as the Para Crew of the year after breaking through for this first World Championship gold medal in the PR3 Mixed Double scull event.
The award capped a memorable night for Altschwager in particular, who was named Rower’s Rower of the Year, an award voted on by his peers in the Australian Rowing Team.
He was also presented with one of two of the Rowing Leadership awards – alongside world championships bronze medallist Tara Rigney (Single Sculls).
Chad King was named Para-coach of the Year.
“This was a night where we can not only celebrate the achievements of our elite athletes and coaches but the volunteers, officials, community clubs and those who have dedicated a lifetime to helping our sport be the best it can be,” Rowing Australia Chief Executive Officer Sarah Cook OLY said.
“We thank and acknowledge all of the nominees and winners and look forward to celebrating again next year in the wake of what we know will be an unforgettable Olympic and Paralympic Regatta in Paris.”
Rowing Australia’s Patron, Mrs Gina Rinehart AO, was also lauded after being presented with the inaugural Service to Rowing Award for her significant and enduring contribution to the sport. Mrs Rinehart was presented with the award by Rowing Australia President Rob Scott.
“We could not think of a more fitting inaugural winner than Mrs Rinehart, who has been such a passionate and generous supporter of our sport for many years and will be for many years to come,” Cook said.
Mrs Rinehart was also on hand to present two of the Rowing Leadership awards named in her honour, to Altschwager and Rigney.
Full list of winners:
- Service to Rowing Award: Mrs Gina Rinehart AO
- Gina Rinehart AO Rowing Leadership Awards: Jed Altschwager, Tara Rigney
- Retirees: Angus Moore, Cameron Girdlestone, Georgia Nesbitt
- Para Crew of the Year: PR3 Mixed Double Scull (Jed Altschwager, Nikki Ayers PLY)
- Female Crew of the Year: Women’s Pair (Jessica Morrison OAM, Annabelle McIntyre OAM)
- Male Crew of the Year: Men’s Coxed Eight
- Para Coach of the Year: Chad King
- Coach of the Year: John Keogh
- Life Member: The Honourable Patrick McNamara AM
- Life Member Inductee: Chris Grummitt
- Volunteer of the Year: Mike Angus
- Official of the Year: Caroline Schomberg
- Bont Club of the Year: Fremantle Rowing Club
- Bolle Pathways Crew of the Year: U23 Men’s Four
- Pathways Coach of the Year: Jamie McDonald
- Commonwealth Games Australia Beach Sprint Crew of the Year: Marcus Della Marta
- 77BC Rower’s Rower of the Year: Jed Altschwager
Posted: 24 November, 2023
Image: Rowing Australia
