Brianna Throssell named WAIS Athlete of the Year

Published On: 15 November 2019

Brianna Throssell was named WAIS Athlete of the Year to cap off her best year to date in the pool at the 2019 WAIS Annual Awards of Excellence at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Thursday November 14, 2019.

At the World Championships Throssell wrote her name in to the record books in more ways than one. A new World Record along with gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay to add to gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay, saw Throssell go in to WA sporting history as the first West Australian swimmer to win two gold at the one championships.

23-year-old Throssell’s world championship success did not end there as she also claimed silver in the 4x100m mixed freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay to complete a four medal haul.

Individual swims in the 50m, 100m and 200m butterfly saw Throssell compete 13 times across the championships, the most of any Australian swimmer.

In winning the WAIS Athlete of the Year Award, Throssell became just the third swimmer to claim the honour, after Eamon Sullivan in 2007 and Ian Brown in 1990.

“I was really pleased with my performance in 2019 but looking at all the video footage tonight and hearing from the athletes and coaches I think we should all be so proud of each other and what we have all achieved and have also done for WA,” a delighted Throssell said.

Throssell was quick to thank her teammates and WAIS staff for their support. “To the WAIS staff Aaron, Jo, Emily, Amanda, Sam, Ross and Zack your support is incredible and I know I wouldn’t be standing here today having achieved what I have so far so thank you so much.

“To the squad I train with thank you so much for pushing me and pushing everyone else through the training, I know we have had some really rough days but I know and all of you guys know we’ve got each others backs no matter what.

“Finally to my coaches Leighton and Mick I know I add a little bit of drama to the squad, but as a male dominated squad I think it is my duty to add a little bit of female spice. Thank you so much for your undivided support and guidance you give me. I know I wouldn’t be standing here today without it so thank you.”