In a significant recognition of its contributions to the sport, Athletics Australia has been named the winner of the Member Federation Award at the World Athletics Awards 2023. This prestigious award celebrates a Member Federation that has notably excelled in its achievements over the year, thereby enhancing the sport’s growth and profile globally.
Six federations were initially shortlisted for this year’s accolade, each nominated by one of the six area associations. After a thorough evaluation, Australia emerged as the deserving winner, marking a milestone in its sporting history.
Jan Swinhoe, who recently concluded her nine-year term on the Athletics Australia Board, expressed immense pride in the federation’s achievements. “Being selected as Member Federation of the year is a delightful honor for Athletics Australia,” she commented. This recognition follows the federation’s successful hosting of the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst in February 2023, a first for Australia, and their remarkable performance at the World Championships in Budapest.
Australia kickstarted 2023 with a notable presence at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, securing a medal in the mixed relay. This was soon followed by the debut of the Maurie Plant Meeting – previously known as the Melbourne Track Classic – marking Oceania’s first World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting.
The country’s athletes shone at the World Championships in Budapest, claiming a record six medals – one gold, two silver, and three bronze – and finishing joint eighth in the overall placing table. Nina Kennedy, a standout performer, clinched a gold medal in the pole vault, setting a national outdoor record of 4.90m and sharing the title with USA’s Katie Moon.
Throughout the year, Australian and Oceania athletes set several records, including Linden Hall’s area 1500m record of 3:56.92 and Matt Denny’s national discus record of 68.43m at the Wanda Diamond League Final.
Jane Flemming, who succeeded Swinhoe as President of Athletics Australia in October, highlighted the federation’s ongoing initiatives and expressed gratitude towards World Athletics for their support, particularly in hosting the World Cross Country Championships and the Maurie Plant Meeting. She also mentioned the upcoming launch of a new junior program, backed by World Athletics, underscoring the federation’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
The World Athletics Awards 2023 has also honored other contributors to the sport, including Laurent Meuwly (Coaching Achievement Award), Falilatou Tchanile-Salifou (Woman of the Year), and Mattia Ozbot (Photograph of the Year), with further announcements expected in the days leading up to the World Athletes of the Year and Rising Stars announcements on Monday, 11 December.
