The South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) Awards recognise athletes who have excelled in their sporting endeavours over the past 12 months, acknowledging their outstanding contributions, perseverance and achievements.

Many memorable moments from the Paris Olympic/Paralympic Games and World Championship events, along with other accomplishments within the SASI community were also celebrated at the event, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday 22 November. 

The Amy Gillett-Safe Award was presented to Olympian Matthew Glaetzer (pictured right with Amy's parents Denis and Mary Safe). This award is presented annually as a memorial to one of SASI's and Australia's finest athletes and recognises an individual's commitment to sport through passion and persistence.

SASI sport program athletes of the year were also recognised, while Sports Engineer David Haydon took home the SASI Heart Award for demonstrating exceptional passion and commitment to the programs, teams and athletes with whom he works.

Cyclist Tayte Ryan was named SASI Junior Male Athlete of the Year and said it was an "honour" to win the award.

"I’d also like to thank a few people that have helped my 2024 season be as successful as it was, so I’d like to thank Jimmy (Glasspool) my coach for putting in countless hours and effort into me as an athlete and helping me break that world record (external site)," he said.

"I’d also like to thank Steve (Van Diepen) in the gym for getting me strong enough that I can ride faster on the track."

Other winners included:

• SASI Para Athlete of the Year – Jed Altschwager and Nikki Ayers (Para-rowing)
• SASI Female Athlete of the Year – Steph Talbot (Basketball)
• SASI Male Athlete of the Year – Oliver Bleddyn (Cycling)
• SASI Junior Female Athlete of the Year – Lucy Sharman (Hockey)
• SASI Coach of the Year – Christine MacLaren (Rowing)

The awards cap off a momentous 12 months for SASI with the $88 million SASI build at Mile End and the $15 million Australian Centre for Sports Aerodynamics.

SASI Director Keren Faulkner said the past year had been "transformative" for SASI, which was now "operating out of purpose-built facilities and working with more advanced technology to assist in driving the best possible results for our athletes".

"But what truly sets SASI apart is the dedication, skills and talent of our people and it’s fantastic to recognise the achievements of our high-performance staff, coaches and athletes at the SASI Awards," she said.

"South Australians should feel an incredible sense of pride in all the award nominees and winners, and how they have represented our State this year."

For the full list of winners, click here (external site).