Sexton and Royle were two of 12 athletes from across the Hunter striving for an Olympic spot that received $2000 as part of the Greater Building Society Olympic Scholarships Award.

The winners –- which also included BMX rider Billy Jolliffe, sailer Nathan Outteridge and basketballer Jennifer Screen – were announced on Thursday at a ceremony at Souths Leagues Club.

Hunter Academy of Sport chief executive officer Ken Clifford said the depth and breadth of the Hunter’s Olympic hopefuls was outstanding and the best he had seen for many years.

“This year we received scholarship applications across more sports than ever before showing how broad the Hunter’s sporting talent is becoming,” Clifford said.

Sexton, who became the first home town athlete to win the Maitland Triathlon at Morpeth last month, was selected in the Australian team to contest the 2009 world championships and won a silver medal at the world championships in 2007.

Royle, a member of Maitland Triathlon Club, represented Australia in the youth division at the recent 2009 World Championships and was ranked second in the Australian Junior Triathlete of the Year.

The London Games will be held from July 27 to August 12 in 2012.