Bronwyn Cox named Young Athlete of the Year for second time

Rowing’s Bronwyn Cox was named WAIS Young Athlete of the Year for the second time at the 2019 WAIS Annual Awards of Excellence at the Pan Pacific Hotel, November 14 2019.

A joint winner with Annabelle McIntyre two years ago, Cox again found herself named Young Athlete of the Year following an outstanding season on the water.

Still eligible to be compete at the Under 23 World Championships, Cox made her senior debut, helping Australia to silver at the World Championships, improving from their bronze medals 12 months earlier. World Cup gold and silver medals were also highlights of the year for the 22-year-old.

“I’m really honoured to be receiving this award. Moving to Sydney this year has made me realise how amazing WAIS is and how many opportunities I gained through the support of the institute,” Cox said from the National Training Centre in New South Wales.

“The coaches and the support staff even though I have been living interstate have been so helpful in my transition, especially going through tough times it is amazing to know you have your WAIS family you can turn to so thank you.

“I feel so lucky to have been mentored by WAIS, the programs given to junior athletes, teach and encourage the development of the whole sportsperson, physically and mentally and in the past year I have really realised the importance of this knowledge.

“I couldn’t finish without acknowledging Rhett Ayliffe. I don’t know how to put in to words my gratitude for your endless support and my appreciated of your talent as a coach. I don’t think I realised how truly privileged I was under your guidance and so much of this award is a testament to you. Thank you so much for everything you have done through every stage of my rowing journey so far.

“In my opinion the WAIS rowing program is the best in Australia, although I might be a little bit biased I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without WAIS so once again thank you to everyone and thank you so much for the award.