Olympic Games champion Kim Brennan has won the most prestigious prize in international rowing, adding the Thomas Keller Medal to her trophy cabinet a year after retiring.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Brennan was honoured at an awards function in London on Saturday, capping her remarkable career and drawing a line under her career as an athlete.
The Rio gold-medal winner officially retired 12 months ago after mulling over the decision for several months following the arrival of her first child, Jude.
But World Rowing had one final surprise for Brennan, presenting her with the award which recognises "an exceptional rowing career and exemplary sportsmanship".
"I do have an incredibly fond memory of the double scull at the London 2012 Olympic Games," Brennan said at the function.
"My partner Brooke [Pratley] broke her rib ...We were back in the boat for about three weeks before the Olympic Games. It was one of those moments when you realised sport wasn't just about winning."
Brennan was the first Australian to win the prize since Drew Ginn five years ago.
The 34-year-old won gold at Rio, and silver and bronze at the London Olympics. She is also a two-time world champion.
Brennan will be a deputy chef de mission for the Australian team at the Tokyo Games next year.
"I've been transitioning to life off the water and it's actually the realisation that there's a joy of watching your peers and teammates become the best they can," Brennan said.
"Even though my career as an athlete might be over, my life in rowing isn't over. I think it's the nature of the sport - it's very much about service. For me, this is what this medal is about."
MORE CANBERRA SPORT