In a year that has seen her become a household name by winning three Olympic gold medals and breaking three world records, the accolades continue to flow for swimming star Jodie Henry.
At the QAS Champions' Luncheon on 17 November - Jodie's 21st birthday - she was presented with the Peter Lacey Award for Sporting Excellence.
The annual award is presented to the QAS athlete who has achieved the greatest international success during the year while also serving as a good ambassador for sport.
The prestigious award capped off a magical year for Jodie who was also named Queensland Sportswoman of the Year, Queensland Sportsperson of the Year and Australian Swimmer of the Year.
After securing her Olympic debut with three medals at the Australian Olympic Trials, Jodie took the Athens pool by storm, establishing herself as an international swimming star.
She won gold in the 100 metre freestyle, 4x100 metre freestyle relay and 4x100 metre medley relay at the Games - setting new world records in all three events in the process.
Jodie's involvement in charity work and the gracious and humble manner in which she has handled her new-found celebrity also contributed to the QAS Board's decision to grant her the accolade.
Jodie took the award ahead of fellow QAS Olympic gold medallists Alice Mills and Anna Meares, as well as Paralympic gold medallists Greg Ball and Chris Scott.
She joins Vicki Wilson, Geoff Huegill, Grant Hackett, Susie O'Neill, Kieren Perkins, Kerrie Meares and Geoff Trappett as winners of the prestigious award that is named in the honour of an Australian surf lifesaving icon.
Before his passing in 1997, Peter Lacey won 14 World Championship medals and was one of the inaugural Board members of the QAS.
This award ensures that Peter's name and legacy lives on and remains associated with the highest levels of sport in Queensland.
Last Updated: 14 12 2004
