Minister for Sport and Recreation and Penrith MP Stuart Ayres has applauded canoeist Jessica Fox on receiving the prestigious Athlete of the Year Award at the inaugural Australian Institute of Sport Performance Awards at Melbourne Museum last night.

“Jessica is a true champion, with an outstanding record of sporting achievements at only 20 years of age,” Mr Ayres said.

“As an International Olympic Committee Ambassador with two world titles under her belt and a silver medal from the London Olympics, it comes as no surprise that Jess has been recognised as Athlete of the Year.

“We are incredibly proud of this Penrith powerhouse for representing our country, our State and Western Sydney.

“She is a sensational role model for Australia’s young athletes, particularly young women.

“We look forward to tracking her continued success and supporting her bid for Gold at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, Mr Ayres concluded.

The Australian Diamonds’ Lisa Alexander was named Coach of the Year after guiding the national netball team to Gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and taking out the Constellation Cup.

Team of the Year was awarded to the Kookaburras men’s hockey team, while Kurt Fearnley took out the public vote of Sport Personality of the Year.