The finalists for the 2022 CBR Sport Awards have been announced with a number of high-profile local stars nominated.

Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios is up for the men’s athlete of the year title following his brilliant year on tour. The tennis ace will have some stiff competition though, with Canberra Raiders and New Zealand star Joe Tapine also nominated after his best season in the NRL, while professional cyclist Michael Matthews rounds out the nominees in the wake of a stage win at the Tour de France earlier this year.

Olympic flag bearer Laura Peel headlines the women’s athlete of the year nominees after the two-time aerial skiing world champion finished 5th at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Fellow nominee, Kelsey Lee-Barber, has been in terrific form this season, claiming javelin gold at both the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games. Mountain bike star Rebecca McConell is also nominated after claiming her first World Cup win in Brazil earlier this year.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry said the awards highlight the incredible sporting talent in Canberra and the diverse range of sports in which local athletes excel.

“Congratulations to all who were nominated and, in particular, I’d like to acknowledge the finalists for their remarkable achievements,” Minister Berry said.

“There is a real depth of talent in Canberra’s sporting community and I’m thrilled to recognise the outstanding achievements of so many athletes and sporting teams.

“Thank you also to our judging panel. Your job cannot have been easy with the high calibre of nominees.”

The awards finalists, in no particular order, are:

Athlete of the Year – Men’s Sport

• Michael Matthews – Cycling, Road
• Nick Kyrgios – Tennis
• Joseph Tapine – Rugby League

Athlete of the Year – Women’s Sport

• Laura Peel – Snowsports
• Kelsey-Lee Barber – Athletics
• Rebecca McConnell – Cycling, Mountain Bike

Athlete of the Year – Para Sport

• Kathryn Ross – Rowing
• Jaydon Page – Athletics
• Samuel Harding – Triathlon

Team of the Year

• Canberra Gunners – Basketball
• ACT Griffins – Rugby Union
• Tuggeranong Vikings Masters Swimming Club – Swimming
• CBR Brave – Ice Hockey

Rising Star

• Cameron Rogers – Cycling, Road
• Kayla Harding – Swimming
• Alex Toohey – Basketball

Minister’s Award

• Hockey ACT – Pride in Sport Program
• Manuka Tennis Club – Carbon neutral sustainability project
• Abilities Unlimited Australia/Royal Life Saving ACT – Waterabilities
• Volleyball ACT – ACT Beach Series
• Canberra Region Rugby League – Score Raiders
• Stromlo Running Festival – 2022 event

The 2022 awards ceremony will be held at 6.45pm on Friday 25 November at the Hotel Realm ballroom.

“I look forward to celebrating the sporting achievements of our finalists in person for the first time since 2019,” Minister Berry said.

Tickets to the CBR Sport Awards night can be purchased from www.cbrsportawards.com.au