DOUBLE DIP
Titmus, Paine up for Don gong
THE 2019 Don Awards for Australia’s best athlete have a distinct Tasmanian tinge.
Of the nine finalists, two hail from the nation’s smallest state in world champion swimmer Ariarne Titmus and Ashes-winning Test cricket captain Tim Paine.
No Tasmanian has ever won the Don Award since its inception in 1998, with some of the previous winners the likes of Ian Thorpe, Cathy Freeman, Sally Pearson, Shane Warne, Pat Rafter, Kerryn McCann, Michelle Payne and Kurt Fearnley.
Titmus became the talk of world swimming when she won the 400m freestyle world championships, becoming the first person to defeat US superstar Katie Ledecky at a major international meeting for the first time since 2012. The 18-year-old, originally from Launceston, finished the world championships with two gold, one silver and a bronze, picking up her second victory by anchoring the 4x200m freestyle team to a world record.
“I swim because I love it, and representing our country is an honour I hold very high,” Timus said. “As little as two years ago, I never thought I would be in this position nominated alongside some of Australia’s greatest athletes.
“To me, being nominated for the Don Award means that not only am I doing myself and my family proud, I’m inspiring the people of Australia which completely humbles me.”
Paine became the first Australian to return home from England with the Ashes since Steve Waugh achieved the feat in 2001.
“I am deeply humbled to have been selected as a finalist in the Don Award for 2019,” Paine said. “Any award carrying the name of Sir Donald Bradman, has great meaning for any Australian cricketer. The list of previous winners shows the significance of the Don Award and I am incredibly proud to be short-listed.”
Titmus and Paine face tough opposition to land the award coming up against French Open winner Ashleigh Barty, nine-time grand slam champion Dylan Alcott, NRL champion Cooper Cronk, cycling star Caleb Ewan, surfing world champion Stephanie Gilmore, Supercars veteran Craig Lowndes and Australian cricket’s superstar all-rounder Ellyse Perry.
The winner will be announced at a gala dinner next Thursday.