Evans Crowned WA Swimmer of the Year
Commonwealth Games gold medallist and WAIS scholarship holder Blair Evans has topped off a sensational 2010/2011 swimming season by claiming the 2011 Vorgee WA Swimmer of the Year award at last weekend’s awards event.
Evans’ gold medal performance as a member of the women’s 4 x 200m relay team at last year’s Delhi Games, as well as an individual silver and two bronze at the 2010 Pan Pacs, cemented her position as Western Australia’s top swimmer ahead of fellow nominees Rhys Mainstone (WAIS) and Tommaso D’Orsogna.
Evans said it was an honour to win the award for the first time and a highlight in what has been an incredible journey.
“The last three years have been amazing, just going from meet to meet, and to be able to top it off with this award is a real thrill,” Evans said.
“Obviously the Commonwealth Games last year were a highlight for me, and I’m looking forward to training hard and hopefully getting a place on the Australian team for next year’s Olympic Games.”
Swimming WA Executive Director Simon Taylor said the last 12 months had been outstanding for the sport of swimming in WA, in particular the performances of the State’s elite athletes on the national and international stage.
“With six WA swimmers currently on the Australian Swimming Team, there’s no doubt that, as a state, we’re punching well above our weight,” Mr Taylor said.
“It’s great to get together as sport and recognise our achievements, but with so many great athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers, it’s impossible to recognise them all.”
In the other major awards categories, WAIS swimmer Adelaide Hart took out Age Swimmer of the Year after smashing 43 records at the 2011 State Age Championships, while Rhys Mainstone’s silver medal performance at this year’s Australian Open Water Championships secured him the Open Water Swimmer of the Year Award.
Member of the Australian Para Pan Pacs teamand WAIS scholarship holder Katrina Porter took out Multi Class Swimmer of the Year, while 12 year old Amy Williams claimed Junior Swimmer of the Year.
-Swimming WA