Full list of 2023 SASI Awards winners
SASI Para Athlete of the Year – Jed Altschwager and Nikki Ayers (Para-rowing)
The new pairing of Jed and Nikki has proven to be a dominant force in Para-rowing. At the International Para Regatta, they contributed to Australia’s success with a gold medal in the PR3 Mixed Double Sculls. They backed this up with another victory at the World Cup II in Varese, Italy. The dynamic duo capped off a phenomenal few months of racing by earning a World Championship title at the World Rowing Championships in Belgrade. The pair has now qualified for the Paris Paralympic Games.
SASI Female Athlete of the Year – Meg Harris (Swimming)
Meg has been making a name for herself in the Australian Dolphins squad. She put in a brilliant performance at the World Aquatics Championships, not only clinching the gold medal in the highly competitive women’s 4x100m freestyle relay, but also setting a new world record alongside her teammates. Meg's talent was also on show in the heats for the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay and women’s 4x100m medley relay, where these teams went on to win gold and silver respectively.
SASI Male Athlete of the Year – Kyle Chalmers (Swimming)
Kyle has been an unstoppable force in the pool this year. At the World Aquatics Championships, his outstanding performances resulted in a world record in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay, plus another two gold medals in the men's 4x100m freestyle relay and 100m freestyle. Kyle has now achieved a championship title in the 100m freestyle, at every major international swimming competition. He added to further team success for Australia at the World Championships, by earning bronze medals in the men's 4x100m medley relay and the 4x200m freestyle relay.
SASI Junior Female Athlete of the Year – Lucy Voyvodic (Netball)
Lucy has been a star on the netball court this year. She was a key player who helped Netball SA’s 19U team, claim victory at the National Netball Championships in Darwin. Not only was Lucy part of the team which claimed the title, but she was also awarded MVP of the tournament. Following this win she was selected in Netball Australia’s 19/U National Pathway Squad for 2023/24. Her amazing year was rounded out by a gold medal win at the 2023 Trinbago Commonwealth Youth Games, where she was part of the Aussie squad which became the inaugural FAST5 champions.
SASI Junior Male Athlete of the Year – Tayte Ryan (Cycling)
Tayte has had a breakout year, bursting onto the international stage with performances that have grabbed the world’s attention. At the UCI Junior Track World Championships, the 17-year-old won the rainbow jersey in the 1000m Time Trial and was just short of a world record time in the qualifying and the final. He also produced a sensational silver in the Sprint competition at the championship event. At the Trinbago Commonwealth Youth Games, Tayte swept the sprint events, claiming gold in the Men’s Keirin, 1000m Time Trial, and Sprint races.
Amy Gillett-Safe Award – Jed Altschwager (Para-rowing)
Jed shows resilience in the face of adversity and commitment to leadership in the sport, outside of his own training. As a leader and role model within the rowing program, he mentors new athletes and volunteers at community days. He’s always happy to have a chat to anyone and actively gives back to the SA sporting community.
SASI Coach of the Year – Christine MacLaren (Rowing)
Christine is the SASI Rowing Talent Pathway Coach, working with junior athletes who are discovered through the SASI Talent Search program and assisting them to reach their highest potential. Under Christine’s guidance, Jed Altschwager and Nikki Ayers were crowned World Champions in the PR3 Mixed Double Sculls this year. Christine has also been instrumental in driving the women’s high-performance networking group where members learn from and inspire each other.
SASI Service to Sport Award – Luke Knappstein (Head of Physical Preparation)
Luke leads the physical preparation unit at SASI, establishing and maintaining ‘world class’ technical expertise and service delivery, identifying and contributing to innovation/research projects, integrating emerging technology and systems, and influencing system-wide knowledge growth. He works with swimming, cycling and Individual Athlete Program athletes to provide full strength and conditioning support.
Program Athletes of the Year:
- Beach Volleyball – Jack Pearse
- Canoe Sprint – Maguire Reid
- Cycling – Tayte Ryan
- Diving – Jaxon Bowshire
- Hockey – Fred Gray
- Netball – Tabitha Packer
- Rowing – Oscar McGuiness
- Swimming – Britt Castelluzzo
- Individual Athlete Program – Anu Francis (Para-triathlete)
