Paralympic gold medallist Callum Simpson was named Sports Star of the Year 2024 at the Sunshine Coast Sports 54th Annual Awards on Wednesday night.
The awards night, hosted at Altitude Nine, Sunshine Coast City Hall, was attended by some of the most influential figures in local sport.
The event was made even more special with Olympic gold medallist Duncan Armstrong OLY OAM presenting the highly anticipated Sports Star of the Year award.
“I think the results speak for themselves,” Duncan said, while speaking to Noosa Today on the Sports Star of the Year selection.
“When you look at Callum’s unbelievable rise and then his execution and fantastic results in Paris, you know, Callum is going to be a great personality here on the Sunshine Coast. He’s still very young. So he’s got a lot of Olympics to go, Los Angeles, and our own Olympic games in 2032. So I think it’s a great choice.”
Duncan said it takes a lot of hard choices to reach the level of success these athletes are at.
“It takes a lot of early morning alarms and a lot of dedication. It takes a lot of work to get through setbacks with injuries, losses, and things like that,” he said.
“And what you’re seeing with athletes like Callum, and so many people in the categories for these awards, you’re seeing people who can really be resilient and persevere and dream big. Because it takes really big dreams to be able to get out of bed early in the morning, do all the hard work, but also fail forward. So that when you do fail, you just pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get going again.”
Duncan said sports can sometimes be quite devastating for athletes.
“You can miss teams, you can miss out on gold medals, you can miss finals, and things like that,” he said.
“So when you’re looking at Callum, you’re looking at someone who’s overcome a great deal. Not just physically, but mentally as well with these challenges. So you know you’re seeing a really hard worker who has made some tough choices to be where he is.”
Recognising the region’s outstanding athletes, coaches, officials, teams, volunteers, and sporting events, these prestigious awards continue to honour the rich sporting legacy of the Sunshine Coast, from grassroots development to world-class achievements.
With a history dating back to 1968, the awards have seen legendary athletes such as Pat Rafter, Lisa Curry-Kenny, Grant Kenny, Ian Baker-Finch, and Tate McDermott take home honours before launching onto national and international stages.
On Wednesday 12 March, another incredible group of winners joined this esteemed list, marking a new chapter in Sunshine Coast sporting history.
And the winners are:
· Sports Star of the Year 2024: Callum Simpson, Swimming
· Athlete of the Year – Masters 2024: Todd Grace, Ocean Paddling
· Athlete of the Year – Open 2024: Peyton Craig, Athletics
· Athlete of the Year – Next Gen 2024: Rhett Baker, Athletics
· Athlete of the Year – Disability 2024: Callum Simpson, Swimming
· Official of the Year 2024: Bridie Kean, Wheelchair Basketball
· Volunteer of the Year 2024: Sharon Hill, Wheelchair Basketball
· Team of the Year 2024: Brendan Mallyon, Athletics
· Coach of the Year 2024: Cali Unite, Calisthenics
· Inclusivity Award 2024: Sunshine Coast Archery Club, Archery
Each award recipient has demonstrated dedication, passion, and perseverance, inspiring the next generation of athletes and reinforcing the strength of grassroots sport across the region.
Each category winner received $250 and a trophy. The Sports Start of the Year received a special trophy and additional $250 in recognition of their achievement.
Sunshine Coast Sports Board Member Charlie Hemming praised the winners and finalists.
“The Sunshine Coast Sports Awards are more than just accolades; they represent the passion and resilience that drive our sporting community,” Charlie said.
“Every nominee, finalist, and winner has made a profound impact, whether on the field, in the pool, on the court, in our ocean or behind the scenes.
“Congratulations to all our 2024 winners – your achievements are a testament to the strength of sport in our region.”
These awards serve as a reminder of the power of sport in bringing communities together, inspiring young athletes, and showcasing the world-class talent nurtured right here on the Sunshine Coast.
