Queensland’s sporting community came together in Brisbane to celebrate athletes, volunteers and officials whose efforts have shaped another memorable year across the state. The 2025 Queensland Sports Awards brought together household names, up-and-coming competitors and long-serving contributors who keep local sport running week after week.
Olympic backstroke star Kaylee McKeown was named Queensland Athlete of the Year after another remarkable season in the pool. Paralympic swimmer Callum Simpson took home the Para Athlete of the Year award, recognised for his steady rise and strong performances on the international stage.
Young sprinter Gout Gout, whose speed has drawn national attention, received the Junior Athlete of the Year award. Wheelchair tennis player Ben Wenzel was named Junior Para Athlete of the Year. The Brisbane Lions, winners of back-to-back AFL premierships, were celebrated as Queensland Sport Team of the Year.
Sport Minister Tim Mander congratulated all winners and nominees, saying the night reflected a year filled with moments that made Queenslanders proud. He pointed to the breadth of talent on display as well as the commitment of the many people who support sport quietly and consistently. One example was Queensland Sport Volunteer of the Year Christopher Sarquis from Kingaroy Golf Club, whose contribution highlights how much community sport relies on dedicated locals.
Mander said the Hall of Fame additions also deserved attention, with Ash Barty, Daniel Herbert, Des Morris, Rod Morris and Michael Kasprowicz joining Queensland’s sporting greats. Ian Healy was elevated to Legend Status, an honour reserved for those whose careers continue to influence new athletes.
QSport Chief Executive Shantel Netzler said this year’s awards held extra meaning as they marked three decades of celebrating Queensland’s sporting community. She noted the large number of Queenslanders involved in sport each year, saying the winners and nominees capture both the depth of talent and the strength of the state’s sporting culture. According to Netzler, the achievements recognised on the night reflect the passion and commitment seen across clubs, schools and competitions in every region.
The full list of award recipients shows how widely the accolades were spread, covering sports such as swimming, athletics, hockey, rugby league, tennis, marathon running, equestrian and taekwondo. Innovation, administration and coaching were acknowledged as well, reminding the audience that strong sporting systems depend on far more than performances on the field.
With Queensland preparing for a decade of major sporting milestones, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the event doubled as a chance to acknowledge the foundation this community has built. For the athletes who received awards and the volunteers who keep clubs thriving, the night was a moment to pause and celebrate contributions that often go unnoticed in the busyness of competition.
Below is the complete list of winners:
- 2025 Queensland Athlete of the Year – Kaylee McKeown OAM (Swimming)
- 2025 Queensland Para Athlete of the Year – Callum Simpson OAM (Swimming)
- 2025 Queensland Junior Athlete of the Year – Gout Gout (Athletics)
- 2025 Queensland Junior Para Athlete of the Year – Ben Wenzel (Tennis)
- 2025 Queensland Sport Team of the Year – Brisbane Lions AFL (AFL)
- 2025 Queensland Junior Sport Team of the Year – Hockey Queensland U16 Maroon Girls (Hockey)
- 2025 Queensland Sport Innovation of the Year – Fempro Armour (Multisport Innovation)
- 2025 Queensland Sport Event of the Year – ASICS Gold Coast Marathon (Marathon)
- 2025 Queensland Sport Volunteer of the Year – Christopher Sarquis (Golf)
- 2025 Service to Queensland Sport Awards – Dick Collyer (Equestrian)
- 2025 Service to Queensland Sport Awards – Donna Smith (Little Athletics)
- 2025 Queensland Sport Administrator of the Year – Joshua Pascoe (Basketball)
- 2025 Queensland Sport Official of the Year – Carlos Lakerdis (Taekwondo)
- 2025 Queensland Sport Coach of the Year – Michael Maguire (Rugby League)
- Hall of Fame inductees: Ash Barty AO (Tennis), Daniel Herbert (Rugby Union), Des Morris OAM (Rugby League), Rod Morris (Rugby League), Michael Kasprowicz (Cricket)
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