Maitland's Paralympic golden girl Maddi Elliott has been named a finalist in the NSW Institute of Sport awards.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Elliott is a finalist in three categories – the prestigious Sydney City Toyota Female Athlete of the Year, the Mizuno Junior Athlete of the Year and the Office of Sport Regional Athlete of the Year.
The 17-year-old from Gillieston Heights is nominated alongside teammate Ellie Cole, netball superstar Sharni Layton, Olympic silver medal winning sailor Lisa Darmanin and Rio bronze medallist in canoe slalom Jessica Fox.
![GOLDEN GIRL: The storm clouds over the Hunter had a gold and silver lining when Maitland's Paralympic swimming champion arrived home with her swag of medals on Thursday. Picture: Jonathan Carroll GOLDEN GIRL: The storm clouds over the Hunter had a gold and silver lining when Maitland's Paralympic swimming champion arrived home with her swag of medals on Thursday. Picture: Jonathan Carroll](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/33FVAk7YxZ786YcQSXi4WkS/14fa78b6-9c4a-46ec-b362-7f0d47d7638e.jpg/r665_732_4473_3177_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Elliott said she was overwhelmed by her performances this year and also paid tribute to the assistance provided by the NSWIS.
“My greatest achievement would be winning three gold and two silver at the Paralympics which made me Australia's most decorated athlete in Rio,” Elliott said.
“This was an amazing feeling to find out I had done this at just 17. Being the first ever S8 woman to break the 30 seconds in 50metres freestyle was also amazing.
“Having the support of the NSWIS whenever I need it along the way is a big help.”
She also said she was honoured to be considered for the three awards.
“It means a lot to be nominated for these awards,” she said.
“To be up there with other amazing athletes from other sports shows we have some very talented people.”
Winners will be announced at the awards night, to be hosted by Alan Jones AO, will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday November 17.
![TWO ICONS: Maitland's Maddi Elliott had a media call at the Newcastle Ocean Baths on her return to the Hunter on Thursday. Picture: Jonathan Carroll TWO ICONS: Maitland's Maddi Elliott had a media call at the Newcastle Ocean Baths on her return to the Hunter on Thursday. Picture: Jonathan Carroll](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/33FVAk7YxZ786YcQSXi4WkS/8be7c3ec-e8ad-4426-930c-158c5e532ff3.jpg/r0_0_4447_2935_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)