But there is more to sport than the draping of a medallion around one’s neck – the ideals of initiative, fair play, teamwork, sportsmanship and participation all come to mind – and this pair of Maitland athletes embody just that.

Year 11 students Lara Pilton (Rutherford Technology High School) and Josh Morrison (Maitland High School) were the recipients of the Pierre de Coubertin Award at a ceremony at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on Friday.

They were two of more than 280 recipients of the award – named after the founder of the Modern Olympic Games – and it has been implemented by NSW on behalf of the Australian Olympic Committee since 1993.

“It feels pretty good to get an award from the Australian Olympic Committee,” Morrison said.

“It was pretty professional ... and being from the Australian Olympic Committee is pretty big,” Pilton added.

Fellow Maitland high school students Josh Blatchford (Maitland Grossmann High School), James Johnston (Hunter Valley Grammar School) and Matthew Roberts (All Saints College, St Joseph’s Campus, Lochinvar) were also awarded the Pierre de Coubertin Award.

The award is open to one nomination from all secondary and non-government schools across the State and it aims to recognise senior secondary students who demonstrate attributes consistent with the fundamental aims of the Olympic movement through participation in sporting activities.

And for Pilton and Morrison there is a long list of sporting endeavours at school.

Morrison has represented NSW Combined High Schools (CHS) at touch football, has been selected for Hunter teams across rugby league, athletics and cross country, while also participating in school football and basketball teams.

Pilton has run for NSW CHS at the NSW All Schools Carnival, while also successfully trying her hand at basketball, cross country, swimming, gymnastics, football, futsal and cricket across various levels of representation.

As part of the award’s nomination, students had to write a piece of literacy related to the Olympic Spirit and from that Pilton and Morrison were chosen to attend the ceremony at the sports centre’s Waratah Room.

It was there they heard the inspirational stories, including all the ups and downs, of Australian Olympians Jeremy Rolleston (bobsleigh), Nathan Wilmont (sailing), Debbie Watson (water polo) and Jacqeline Lawrence (canoe/ kayak slalom).

“One motto I heard was ‘Don’t be led by other’s expectations’,” Morrison said.