The 2024 Award of Excellence celebrated the best sporting achievements and successes produced by VIS athletes throughout the year which, in 2024, saw 122 of them represent Australia at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Broadcast journalist and author, Sam Lane, hosted the event at Zinc at Federation Square on 26 November 2024.
Grace Brown became the fifth cyclist in VIS history to win the coveted award, joining household names in Katie Mactier, Cadel Evans AM, Leigh Howard and Para cyclist, Carol Cooke AM, etching her place in the VIS’ annals.
There was no shortage of excellence across the board, with all award winners being a Paris Olympian or Paralympian, excluding the Frank Pyke Achievement Award claimed by Australian sporting icon, Sharelle McMahon.
Award of Excellence
The Award of Excellence (AOE) is the Pinnacle of VIS Awards and is awarded to the athlete who has achieved outstanding sporting results at major events during the year, while contributing to the promotion and development of their sport and/or making a significant contribution to society beyond pure sporting performance.
Winner
Grace Brown | Cycling
There’s no doubt that ‘Camperdown’s Golden Grace Brown’ finished off her days as a pro rider in sublime style.
Her 2024 season started by winning the Australian nationals and she earned the biggest win of her career by claiming the Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes one-day classic in April.
She backed that up with two stage wins and the overall victory at the three-day Bretagne Tour stage race in May, before switching her focus to Paris.
She went on to win Olympic gold in the Individual Time Trial (ITT), in doing so, she became the first Australian woman to medal in the Olympic ITT and the first Australian - man or woman - to win gold in that event.
Not content with that, she blitzed the field at the World Championships in Zurich, becoming the first rider to ever win both the Olympic Games and World Championship time trial in the same year.
She also claimed the Team Time Trial crown as part of the victorious Australian squad.
Para Athlete Award
The Para Athlete Award is presented to the Para athlete who has achieved outstanding sporting results during the year, complemented by demonstrable success in other areas of their life.
Finalists
Para-cycling
Para-table tennis
Para-table tennis
Winner(s)
Qian Yang OAM | Para Table Tennis
Qian is known by those around her – to let her table tennis do the talking.
Virtually unknown in Australian sporting circles despite winning Paralympic gold in Tokyo, Qian defended her title in Paris brushing past Polish legend Natalia Partyka in a lopsided gold medal match.
Days earlier in the Doubles, Qian joined forces with teammate and fellow VIS athlete, Lina Lei, to beat the Taiwanese top seeds in the final.
Qian is one of the brightest stars in an Australian table tennis team shining brighter than ever.
In her rare spare time, she helps to coach the next generation of table tennis talent - passing on her vast knowledge while continuing to develop her leadership skills.
She also completed an English language course in 2024 and proudly received an OAM for her service to sport.
Emily Petricola OAM | Para Cycling
Seven years after Emily’s Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis she discovered Para-cycling and went from feeling broken to breaking records.
Emily is one of the most dominant Para-cyclists in the world, a fact reinforced by her haul of medals at the 2024 Track World Championships, winning gold in the C4 Pursuit and Omnium, and silver in the C4 Scratch Race.
She then successfully defended her Paralympic title in Paris, winning gold in the C4 3000m Individual Pursuit, and in doing so, lowered her own World Record in qualifying.
Off the bike, Emily holds a Masters of Teaching, has several ambassadorial roles and regularly speaks to groups about coping with MS while pursuing cycling excellence.
Sarah Tait Spirit Award
The Sarah Tait Spirit Award recognises the athlete who most encompasses the spirit of the VIS. This athlete has demonstrated courage, commitment and persistence to achieve their sporting goals, whilst showing the ability to inspire and bring out the best in others, engage with and bring pride to their community.
Winner
Jean Mitchell | Rowing
Jean’s journey to Paris was extraordinary. In 2016, aged just 16, she was diagnosed with brain cancer.
She underwent surgery to remove a tumour followed by several rounds of radiation and chemotherapy.
After two long and challenging years, she was now in remission and returned to rowing.
Jean went from strength to strength and fulfilled her dream of competing at the Olympics as part of the Women's Four in Paris.
Outside the boat, she serves as ambassador for Connor’s Run, studies a Bachelor of Design at Deakin and supports Rowing Australia with graphic design.
Open Universities Australia Performance Lifestyle Award
Awarded to the athlete who has achieved personal excellence in their studies, career ambitions, and/or work setting whilst pursuing their dual sporting career. This award epitomises the VIS motto of ‘Success in Sport and Life’.
Winner
Grace Brown| Cycling
Through her extraordinary achievements in the 2024 season, there is no doubt that Grace solidified her legacy within the Australian cycling community and beyond.
Throughout her journey, Grace balanced her athletic commitments with her academic pursuits, completing an Arts degree and a Master of Marketing.
She continues to focus on her ambassadorial commitments, building her own business, and tackling her new role as the President of The Cyclists' Alliance.
2XU Rising Star Award
The 2XU Rising Star Award is presented to an athlete who is eligible to compete in their sport’s ‘age grade’ categories (maximum age U/23) who has achieved outstanding sporting results during the year, complemented by demonstrable success in other areas of their life.
Winner
Brock Batty | Trampoline
2023 was a breakout year for Brock - he won two Age Group world titles – one individual, the other as part of a Synchronised duo - and followed that up with his first Senior crown at nationals.
He then took his talents to the biggest stage of all in Paris and made history as the youngest trampolinist from any country to compete in the Olympics – he finished a respectable 13th.
Not one to sit back, Brock is actively pursuing his goals outside of sport and successfully completing year 11 at Frankston High School.
Brock has proactively engaged with the VIS PL team to seek out employment experiences in 2025 that will allow him to share his passion for health and fitness as well as compliment his training as he works towards LA2028.
Frank Pyke Achievement Award
This award is presented to an alumni athlete who enjoyed a successful sporting career and made a significant contribution to the VIS and their sport and who has since distinguished themselves in another field.
Winner
Sharelle McMahon | Netball
Sharelle McMahon is one of Australia's greatest netballers, known for her exceptional skill and leadership, earning 118 caps for the Australian Diamonds including 12 as caption.
She represented Australia at four Commonwealth Games and three World Cups, winning multiple medals. Sharelle had a successful national career with the Melbourne Phoenix, winning five championships, before joining the Melbourne Vixens, leading them to a title in 2009.
After retiring in 2013, she continued her involvement in netball as a commentator, board member, and coach. She is now a respected media presenter, an engaging keynote speaker and one of Australia's most recognisable sportswoman. In 2016, she was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Returning to her roots, Sharelle has been named General Manager of High Performance & Pathways for Netball Victoria, starting in 2025.
