32 athletes. 15 sports. UTS recognises our elite athletes.
The annual Blues Excellence Awards is a highlight on the sporting calendar. Held in November by ActivateUTS and UTS Sport, the awards celebrate the successes of UTS Elite Athletes and the extraordinary level of sporting brilliance at UTS.
Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year
Top honours went to athletics racer Gabriella O’Grady and para-snowboarding champion Benjamin Tudhope, who took out the Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year awards.
Gabriella O’Grady celebrated a stand-out year of racing which saw her represent UTS and Australia at the World Universiade, where she ran her personal best in the 400m to qualify for the final, before leading the 4x400m relay to a bronze medal. She went on to represent Australia at the IAAF World Championships in Doha in the same events, a testament to her work ethic and dedication to her sport.
Gabriella is a member of the UTS Northern Suburbs Athletics Club and is currently in her fifth year at UTS, studying a Bachelor of Communication (Social and Political Sciences) and Bachelor of Laws.
Former Sportswoman of the Year, Jo Brigden-Jones, presents Gabriella O’Grady with the Sportwoman of the Year award.
Benjamin Tudhope is Australia’s youngest ever Paralympian, making his debut in para-snowboard at age 14.
He’s just concluded his most successful season of his career as he begins his seventh year on the World Cup Circuit. He won the World Para-Snowboard Crystal Globe in the 2018/19 World Cup Banked Slalom and picked up silver in the Boardercross at the 2019 World Championships.
He’s in his second year at UTS studying a Bachelor of Management (Sport Business) and is a member of Ski and Board UTS.
Sportsman of the Year, Benjamin Tudhope competing. He was unable to attend the Blues Awards due to sporting commitments.
Athletes recognised for national and state representation
The black-tie awards ceremony also recognised more than 50 athletes representing more than 18 sports with Full Blue, Half Blue and Club Achievement awards.
Vice-Chancellor Attila Brungs presented the Full Blue winners with their blazers, praising the role sport plays in building vital life skills and attributes that lead to success beyond the classroom.
Twelve UTS elite athletes were recognised with Full Blues for playing their sport at national level or as full-time professionals. A further 20 athletes received Half Blues, which are awarded to individuals who have achieved a minimum level of Open State, Junior Australian or World University Games representation in their sport.
“Someone successful at sport understands the rules: when to obey them and when to break them. They observe, listen, and communicate. They learn how and when to lead, but also the importance of teamwork and working towards a common goal.”
Attila Brungs
UTS Vice-Chancellor
Sport a winner at UTS
The UTS Elite and Emerging Athlete Program currently supports over 300 student athletes with academic assistance, private on-campus gym facilities, and financial assistance, allowing them to balance their studies with their sport
With 26 teams ranked in the top three in Australia in the UniSport Nationals, UTS Sport has had a big year. Twenty-four students represented Australia in international competition, and eight others with full time professional contracts in the NRL, the A-League, AFLW, and the Suncorp Super Netball. Eleven UTS students represented the Australian UniRoos at the World University Games, making UTS the second largest student contributor to the overall Australian UniRoos team.
The UTS Balmain Water Polo Club was awarded the Club of the Year for 2019. Established in 1884, it’s Australia’s oldest water polo club and one of the oldest sporting clubs in Australia.
UTS Balmain Water Polo Club accepting the Sports Club of the Year award presented by Director of UTS Sport, Aimee Purcell.
Chief Executive Officer of ActivateUTS Elizabeth Morgan-Brett told guests the Blues awards and other UTS sporting achievements in 2019 were a direct result of the talent, dedication, and passion of our student athletes.
The 2019 UTS Blues Awards winners
UTS Full Blue Winners
UTS Half Blue Winners
Sportswoman of the Year
Gabriella O’Grady – Athletics
Sportsman of the Year
Benjamin Tudhope – Para-snowboarding
Sports Manager of the Year
Joshua Wilson – UTS Surfing Club
Team of the Year
UTS Women’s 3x3 Basketball Team
Sports Recognition Award
Richard Ridley – UTS Handball Club
Service to Sport Award
Steve Lynch – UTS Northside Futsal Club
Club of the Year
UTS Balmain Water Polo Club
Find out more about ActivateUTS and UTS Sport on their website