Matt Wearn OAM and Grae Morris were celebrated at the 2024 Australian Sports Performance Awards held in Melbourne on Wednesday night. The gala event recognised Australia’s top athletes, with Wearn being awarded Male Able-Athlete of the Year for his exceptional achievements this past year.

Wearn was up against Olympic champions Cameron McEvoy (Swimming Australia) and Keegan Palmer (Skate Australia) in the prestigious Male Able-Athlete of the Year category. Wearn was recognised for his historic win in the Men’s Dinghy class at Paris 2024, winning his second Olympic gold. Over the past two years Wearn has been crowned back-to-back Olympic and World Champion. 

"Being recognised as Male Athlete of the Year is amazing, especially alongside such incredible athletes as Cameron and Keegan," Wearn said. "It tops off what has been a massive year and to be celebrate not just our individual achievements but also the collective success of the Australian Olympic Team in Paris tonight has been super special.” 

Olympic silver medallist, Grae Morris was nomintated as a finalist for Emerging Athlete of the Year against a strong group of contenders, including Callum Simpson (Swimming Australia), Korey Boddington (AusCycling) and Arisa Trew from Skate Australia who ultimately took home the award for her impressive gold medal winning performance at Paris 2024.

Morris’ recognition as a finalist comes after a stellar season where he demonstrated remarkable potential and consistency across key competitions. Morris secured Australia's first windsurfing medal in 32 years when he made his Olympic debut in Paris and his rise to success underscores his determination and skill making him one to watch in the years ahead.

Held at Centrepiece at Melbourne Park the awards ceremony brought together Australia’s sporting elite, reflecting the nation’s diverse talent and commitment to excellence. 

Left to Right: Casey Imeneo (ILCA6), Alistair Murray (Outgoing Australian Sailing President), Grae Morris (Olympic Silver Medallist), Matt Wearn (Dual Gold Medallist) & Emma Plasschaert (Belgian 2 x Olympian ILCA6) 

For the full list of finalists and winners, visit the Australian Institute of Sport website https://www.ais.gov.au/events/aspas/2024-aspas