The Werri Beach athlete received athlete of the year with a disability at the NSW Champions of Sport Awards ceremony at Rosehill Gardens on Monday, November 27.

Attended by the cream of NSW sport, the NSW Sports Awards have, for the first time, been combined with the induction of new entrants into the NSW Hall of Champions in one gala event.

The awards celebrated the achievements of NSW athletes, coaches, administrators and organisations.

Paddler Jessica Fox claimed athlete of the year, while powerlifter Bethany Parker and tennis’ Alexei Popyrin shared the honour of young athlete of the year and Netball NSW and AFL NSW/ACT were named joint winners of the organisation of the Yyear.

Other winners included Sydney FC (team of the year), Hockey NSW’s David Thompson (administrator of the year), wheelchair track and road star Gregory Luff (young athlete of the year with a disability), swimmer Tony Goodwin (masters athlete of the year), under 19s Australian women’s goalball team (team of the year with a disability), surfing’s Glenn Hall (coach of the year), 2017 Australian Badminton Open (event of the year), Lake Macquaire Council) and judo’s Petr Lubomir (official of the year).

The ceremony also saw Warren Birmingham (hockey), Michael Clarke (cricket), Rochelle Gilmour (cycling), Matthew Mitcham (diving) and Matthew Nielsen (basketball) inducted into the NSW Hall of Champions, while Olympic swimming great Ian Thorpe was elevated to legend status.

Reid became a three-time World Champion when winning the C2 time trial and Scratch Race C2 at the World Paracycling Championships in Los Angeles. 

Back on home turf, Reid claimed the state and national crown in the C2 time trial and the T2 individual pursuit. 

As an Indigenous athlete, Reid has become an exemplary role model for her community and frequently travels to regional areas to promote the imperative role sport can play in developing a strong culture and desire of self-achievement.

“These widely-celebrated awards have been running for over 20 years and all nominees join a rich history and heritage of elite sports performers who have represented their sport and state in outstanding fashion at the highest level,” Sports NSW chairperson Joseph La Posta said. 

“Each nominee is a role model within their sport and within their local community and will inspire many more aspiring athletes, officials, administrators and organisation to achieve sporting excellence in the years ahead.”