In front of 380 people, swimming collected six trophies including High Performance Program of the Year as well as Mollie O’Callaghan being recognised for Performance of the Year for her memorable 200m freestyle world record at the World Championships in July.

The Female Able-Athlete of the Year title went to swimmer Kaylee McKeown. In 2023 she became the first female to win the backstroke treble across 50m, 100m and 200m at the World Aquatics Championships in July, as well as setting the world record in the 200m at the NSW State Championships.

While Male Able-Athlete of the Year was taken out by sailing’s Matt Wearn. Matt was rewarded for his stunning season, which peaked with back-to-back wins at the Paris 2024 Olympic Test Event in July and his first ILCA 7 World Championship in The Hague in August.

The second ever Win Well Award went to Archery Australia’s High Performance program while Swimming Australia Head Coach Rohan Taylor was a deserving winner of Coach of the Year for the Dolphin’s record breaking performance at the world championships which included 13 gold medals.

Cricket Australia made it back-to-back Volunteer of the Year awards with inspirational teenager Elysa Oliveri recognised for her contribution to making cricket a game for all abilities, including people with vision, intellectual and physical impairments.

Jessica Corones from Swimming Australia won the Award for Leadership.

Mollie O’Callaghan, who couldn’t be there on the night due to training commitments, said she was thrilled to be recognised with the Performance of the Year.

“It’s a huge honour to receive this award and I’d like to congratulate my fellow finalists,” 19-year-old swimming sensation said.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the support of my coach Dean Boxall, my sponsors and the AIS.”

Matt Wearn has become just the second sailor to win the Male Able-Athlete of the Year award after Tom Slingsby took out the gong in 2012.

“I couldn't be happier with how this year has panned out after such a tough year last year," Matt said.

"I owe a big thank you to the Australian Sailing Team for supporting me and giving me everything I needed to get back to performing at my best.”

Australian Sports Commission (ASC) CEO Kieren Perkins said the event was a wonderful way to celebrate the achievements by Australian athletes throughout 2023.

“The ASPAs are always a great occasion and it reminds us why we do what we do,” Perkins said.

“For many here tonight, the upcoming Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games is about performing when it matters.

“I’d like to acknowledge and thank the Australian Government for their support in making this possible through the significant investment they make in sport in this country.

“The high calibre of performances we are celebrating tonight is a reflection that the united approach across the sector is working.

“The ASPAs are about performance, both in name and in judging criteria and I’d like to congratulate all the finalists and winners tonight.”

2023 ASPAs award winners:

• Emerging Athlete of the Year: Alexa Leary, Swimming Australia
• Award for Leadership: Jessica Corones, Swimming Australia
• High Performance Program of the Year: The Dolphins, Swimming Australia
• Volunteer of the Year: Elysa Oliveri, Cricket Australia
• Male Able-Athlete of the Year: Matt Wearn, Australian Sailing
• Male Para-Athlete of the Year: James Turner, Athletics Australia
• Female Para-Athlete of the Year: Lauren Parker, AusTriathlon & AusCycling
• Female Able-Athlete of the Year: Kaylee McKeown, Swimming Australia
• Win Well Award: Archery Australia
• Coach of the Year: Rohan Taylor, Swimming Australia
• Performance of the Year: Mollie O’Callaghan, Swimming Australia