Canberra Raiders star Jack Wighton has added another accolade to his brimming 2020 wheelbarrow of awards after claiming the ACT's top gong for sportsman of the year.
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It follows Wighton becoming the first Raider in 25 years to win the Dally M Medal in October, when he also was named the NRL's five-eighth of the year.
He shared the Mal Meninga Medal with Josh Papalii following Canberra's run to the preliminary final, before claiming the sportsman of the year award at Monday's annual Dreamtime Awards night.
The Origin and Kangeroos representative edged out ACT Brumbies' skipper Allan Alaalatoa and St Kilda's Jack Steele for the award, which was announced at a virtual ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.
Aerial skier Laura Peel emerged as the winner in the women's field, having become the first Australian since 2009 to win the sport's crystal globe in March.
The 2019-2020 World Cup champion and world No.1 won the opening event of the season in Finland earlier this month.
She topped mountain-biker Rebecca McDonnell and Vanessa Low for the women's award, although the latter was named para-athlete of the year for her achievements in track and field.
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Low, who qualified for her third Paralympic Games in long jump, was honoured to claim the award and said it was special to be recognised in two categories.
"I think it was really important because we're not just good because we're para-athletes. We're great because we're training everyday and put in the same amount of effort and work as abled-bodied athletes do," Low said.
"It's important to have a distinction between Paralympics and Olympics because we're different sports, but at the same time, it doesn't take away.
"Having a different name and different organisation doesn't take away from the quality and performances that we do.
"To be recognised as being just a female athlete, it makes a difference. It makes it special, definitely."
The Brumbies and Canberra Capitals shared the honours for team of the year, having both won their respective competitions in 2020.
It was the Brumbies first title in 16 years, albeit in an Australian-only competition.
CANBERRA SPORT AWARD WINNERS
Female athlete of the year: Laura Peel
Male athlete of the year: Jack Wighton
Para athlete of the year: Vanessa Low
Team of the year: Canberra Capitals and ACT Brumbies
Outstanding service to sport: Nick Hunter, Lorraine Wuth and Rosanna Horn
Rising star: Chloe Bateup
Minister's award for inclusion: Gungahlin Jets Netball Club for the Jets Shooting Stars Program
Minister's award for innovation: Orienteering ACT for COVID return to play
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
