Athletics Australia – News – One week to go: Vote now for track and field trio

There's just one week to go to cast your vote for Commonwealth Games champions Steve Hooker and Kurt Fearnley and rising star Jessica Gallagher in the fourth annual Sports Performer Awards.

Hooker, who last month claimed back-to-back Commonwealth Games pole vault titles in New Delhi (IND), is nominated for the honour of Sports Performer of the Year while Fearnley, who took gold in the men's T54 1500m in Delhi, and javelin star Jess Gallagher, are in contention for Sports Performer of the Year with a Disability.

The nomination caps a stunning year for 28-year-old Hooker that has seen him take out world indoor, Continental Cup and Commonwealth Games gold, and contest all seven pole vault competitions on the Diamond League calendar.

He is the only athlete in international track and field to currently hold all five major titles – Olympic Games, world championships, Commonwealth Games, world indoor championships and Continental Cup – a feat never before achieved in Australian athletics history.

The Western Australian-based star, who trains under the guidance of coach Alex Parnov, is vying for the honour of Sports Performer of the Year alongside fellow nominees Torah Bright (snowboarding), Todd Carney (NRL), Alicia Coutts (swimming), Stephanie Gilmore (surfing), Geoff Huegill (swimming), Lauren Mitchell (gymnastics), Lydia Lassila (aerial skiing), Chris McCormack (ironman), Neil Robertson (snooker), Dane Swan (AFL) and Mark Webber (Formula One).

Fearnley will be looking to claim his second successive Sports Performer of the Year with a Disability title after taking out the honour in 2009. He is joined in the nominations by javelin thrower Jessica Gallagher, Matthew Cowdrey (swimming), Justin Eveson (wheelchair basketball), Cameron Rahles-Rahbula (alpine skiing) and Ryley Batt (wheelchair rugby).

The Sports Performer Awards aim to be one of the most prestigious prizes in Australian sport, recognising the very best performers from the past 12 months.

Unlike other major accolades, the Sports Performer Awards are voted for by Australia’s passionate sporting public, meaning YOU decide who takes home the top prize in each category. The athlete with the most public votes will be crowned winner – it's that simple!

The winners of the five awards categories will be announced at a gala function at Melbourne's Crown Casino on Tuesday November 30, 2010.

While the winner of the illustrious Sports Performer of the Year Award will receive $50,000 courtesy of Colonial First State, you too have a chance to share in the cash jackpot with everyone who votes going into the draw to win $5000 from Colonial First State and tickets to the awards celebration.

Vote for Steve Hooker, Kurt Fearnley and Jess Gallagher today.

For more information or to view all awards categories, visit performerawards.com.au

Voters are eligible to place one vote each day during the voting period.

Voting closes next Wednesday, November 24.

 Athletics Australia – News