Steeplechase star Nicholas McGill has been named the 2024 Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS) Athlete of the Year.

Nicholas accepted the 2024 DRB Group Tobin Family Award at the IAS presentation night on September 9 to cap off what has been a milestone year for the track and field athlete, including state and national championship victories. He received $10,000 as part of the Athlete of the Year Award package. He was also named IAS Future Stars Athlete of the Year.

The IAS has been a cornerstone for athletes in the region, providing scholarships and opportunities that offer a path to greatness. This not-for-profit's track record includes stand-out athletes, such as hockey star Blake Govers, hurdler Sarah Carli, and Australia’s most decorated Olympian, swimmer Emma McKeon. 

One of Australia's most successful Olympic cyclists, Brad McGee, made a special appearance at Monday night's event.

The annual IAS presentation night highlights the Illawarra's next generation of athletes and also the support they receive from sponsors, coaches and fellow athletes, as well as local leaders, such as Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery and mayoral candidate Tania Brown.

“The IAS relies on the support of the community and we are lucky to have had great support for almost 40 years,” said Salv Carmusciano, CEO of the IAS.

Established in 2002, the DRB Group Tobin Family Award for the IAS Athlete of the Year honours an athlete for outstanding performance on and off the field. It also recognises the lasting contributions of the Tobin family to the academy, particularly the late Ted Tobin.

“My father knew that being involved in sport provided many opportunities that were difficult to find elsewhere,” Ian Tobin said at the event.

“He instilled in my family a love of sport and urged us to learn from the experiences that being involved in sport can bring with it.”

Snowboard cross athlete Marci Davis-Cook won the DRB Group Athlete Leadership Award. Earlier this year the year 11 student became the youngest woman to represent Australia at the Snowboard Cross Junior World Championships in Georgia.

Phenomenal athletes recognised at the awards night included Para Athlete of the Year Jack Gibson (swimming/triathlon), Indigenous Athlete of the Year Abbey Giltrow (netball), Alina Pasakarnis (basketball), Lucy Allen (cycling road/track), Isaac Baez (cycling BMX), Callum Crofts (cycling mountain bike riding), Zac Oyston (golf), Destiny Ferguson (hockey), Isla Waterhouse (netball), Makayla Henderson (netball umpire), Jake Barritt (triathlon) and Lewis Ebdon (volleyball). Netball coach Ashlee Scofield won Coach of the Year.

“The award-winners are simply the best of the best,” said Salv.

“Those individuals have had an outstanding year and are truly on the pathway to excellence.”

If you'd like to donate to the not-for-profit IAS, use this link.