Athletics Tasmania Celebrates Outstanding Season

Published Tue 21 Jul 2026

The 2026 Athletics Tasmania Awards Night brought together athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters from across the state for a memorable evening celebrating the achievements of the 2025–26 season.

With a strong turnout from the athletics community, the event showcased the depth of talent and dedication within our sport, recognising outstanding performances both on and off the track.

The evening was expertly hosted by master of ceremonies Mitch McPherson, founder of SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY. The celebrations began by recognising athletes who rewrote the record books throughout the season. An incredible 88 State Records were broken across all age groups and disciplines, highlighting the exceptional standard of athletics being produced across the state.

The Event Category Awards featured an outstanding field of nominees, reflecting the strength of competition throughout the season. Jacob Despard claimed the Men's Sprints and Hurdles Award, while Hamish Peacock was recognised as the Men's Throws Athlete of the Year.

Distance runner Ruby Smee enjoyed a successful season, claiming two Event Category Awards after dominating the middle and long-distance events. Rising star Isabella Wing was also a multiple award winner, taking home a total of four awards including the Women's Sprints and Hurdles, and Women's Jumps and Combined Events categories following an exceptional season.

Eastern Suburbs athlete Archie Dixon was named Junior Para Athlete of the Year, recognising an impressive season that saw him continue to develop as one of Tasmania's emerging para-athletes.

One of the highlights of the evening was a special interview panel featuring Tasmania's four selected athletes for the World Athletics U20 Championships - Bailey Van Den Broek, Xavier Davie, Xavier Leauma and Isabella Wing. The quartet shared their journeys from Little Athletics through to earning Australian selection, speaking openly about the commitment, sacrifices, challenges and rewarding moments that have shaped their careers so far.

The Awards Night also recognised the incredible contribution of the volunteers who are the backbone of athletics in Tasmania. Long-serving officials Sandra Speers and Gary Sayer were honoured for their outstanding service to the sport over several decades, acknowledging the countless hours they have dedicated to ensuring athletes have the opportunity to compete.

Coaching excellence was also celebrated, with John Howe receiving the Emerging Coach Award in recognition of his growing impact on athlete development. Rachel Hosie was named Coach of the Year following another exceptional season guiding athletes to success at state, national and international level.

The night's highest individual honours recognised Tasmania's standout performers. Samuel Clifford and Ruby Smee were named the Open Athletes of the Year after exceptional seasons on the track and over distance, while Alexander McKillop received the Open Para Athlete of the Year Award in recognition of another outstanding year including representing Australia at the 2025 Para World Championships.

The evening also provided the opportunity to recognise four people who have made a lasting contribution to our sport, with Athletics Tasmania Life Membership awarded to David Moore, Jarrod Gibson, Phil Clayton and Rosemary Coleman. The honour recognises the significant contribution each has made to athletics over many years. Through their involvement across different areas of the sport, they have supported athletes, contributed to the delivery of competition and helped strengthen the athletics community across Tasmania.

Jarrod Gibson and Rosemary Coleman were presented with their Life Membership awards during the evening, while David Moore and Phil Clayton will be formally presented with their awards at a later date. We congratulate all recipients on this well-deserved recognition and offer our thanks for many years of service.

2026 Athletics Tasmania Award Winners:

Male Sprints/Hurdles Athlete of the Year - Jacob Despard

Female Sprints/Hurdles Athlete of the Year - Isabella Wing

Male Distance in Stadium Athlete of the Year - James Hansen

Female Distance in Stadium Athlete of the Year - Ruby Smee

Male Distance Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year - Samuel Clifford

Female Distance Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year - Ruby Smee

Male Jumps/Combined Athlete of the Year - Sebastian Hardinge

Female Jumps/Combined Athlete of the Year - Isabella Wing

Male Throws Athlete of the Year - Hamish Peacock

Female Throws Athlete of the Year - Emma Keleher

Male U16 Athlete of the Year - Lewis Thorpe