The ASPAs are the only annual national awards that celebrates the outstanding achievements of athletes, teams, coaches, volunteers and leaders in both Able and Para Australian high performance sport.

A total of 13 awards will be presented at the gala event on Wednesday 4 December in Melbourne, with the finalists judged not only on their success on the sporting arena, but also how they bring Australian sport’s united commitment of “we win well to inspire Australians” to life.

Nominated by sports, the 50 finalists represent 19 different sports, with female athletes, coaches and administrators making up more than half of the candidates vying for top honours in 2024.

The battle for Performance of the Year will be especially tight, with the six finalists responsible for some of the most memorable moments from the 2024 Games.

Swimmers Ariarne Titmus and Kaylee McKeown both feature after winning four and five medals respectively in Paris, as does Saya Sakakibara following her heart-warming gold medal triumph in BMX racing.

They will face stiff competition from the other three finalists; Lauren Parker and her history making double gold in cycling and triathlon, cyclist Grace Brown, who began the Paris party with Australia’s first gold medal, and Nikki Ayers and Jed Altschwager who won Australia’s first-ever Paralympic rowing gold in the PR3 Mixed Double Team.

Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said the 2024 ASPAs finalists show there is plenty to celebrate in Australian sport.

“2024 in sport has been a resounding success however you measure it,” Mr Perkins said.

“Australian high performance sport has never been so united through our commitment to the Win Well Strategy and the results of the past 12 months show we are on the right track with our home Games in Brisbane now just eight years away.

“While it’s no surprise our Olympians and Paralympians from Paris have dominated the list this year, it is pleasing to also see our winter and Commonwealth Games sports represented as they build-up to pinnacle events 2026.

“Congratulations to all our finalists. I look forward to celebrating what has been achieved next month.”

For the third consecutive year, the ASPAs will also include the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award, in recognition of the crucial role volunteers play in Australian sport.