Cooper named as Victorian Sportsperson of the Year

Jacqui Cooper has been honoured by VicSport, awarded the Victorian Sportsperson of the Year – Governor’s Award for 2008. The award recognizes the Victorian athlete who has “achieved outstanding sporting performances and has also made a significant contribution to sport as a leader and role model.

Jacqui Cooper has been honoured by VicSport, awarded the Victorian Sportsperson of the Year – Governor’s Award for 2008.

The award recognizes the Victorian athlete who has “achieved outstanding sporting performances and has also made a significant contribution to sport as a leader and role model".

Cooper (pictured here with OWI Chairman Geoff Henke)has previously won the Victorian Female Athlete of the Year award in 2000, while Alisa Camplin won both the Governor’s award and the Victorian Female Athlete of the Year award in 2002 and 2004.

Kirstie Marshall is also a previous winner, taking the Female Athlete of the Year award for three consecutive years from 1990 to 1992, and again in 1997.

Torino mogul skiing gold medallist and reigning World Cup champion Dale Begg-Smith was a nominee for the Victorian Male Athlete of the Year award, which was taken out by 2008 Tour de France runner-up Cadel Evans.

The 2008 Victorian Female Athlete of the Year award went to Beijing gold medallist Leisel Jones.