Karen Murphy and Jack Gibson among Illawarra athletes named in NSW Sports Awards
Illawarra athletes Karen Murphy and Jack Gibson are finalists for the 2026 NSW Sports Awards. The Wollongong World Triathlon Championships is also nominated.
Three major sporting achievements from the Illawarra have been nominated for the 2026 NSW Sports Awards. Karen Murphy is a lawn bowls legend and a member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
She is nominated for Coach of the Year. She led Australia's para bowls team at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
They won two gold medals. Jack Gibson is a teenager from Shell Cove.
He is nominated for Young Athlete of the Year with a Disability. He had a breakout 2026 in para triathlon.
He competed internationally and won Illawarra Academy of Sport athlete of the year. The 2025 Wollongong Triathlon World Championship Finals is nominated for Event of the Year.
Winners will be announced next month at The Sydney Event Centre.
- Glasgow 2026
- Commonwealth Games location
- More than 20 years
- Murphy's career length
- Two
- Para bowls gold medals
Why it mattersThese nominations show the Illawarra is a serious sporting region. It produces world-class athletes and hosts major international events.
AustraliaIllawarra residents can celebrate their region's standing in Australian sport, and the awards recognition may help attract future sporting events to the area.
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