Bol & Daoui named as finalists for Young Australian of the Year

Athletics Australia would like to congratulate three Australian athletes on their nominations for Young Australian of the Year.

Peter Norman Humanitarian Award winners Nagmeldin Peter Bol (WA) and Meriem Daoui (Tas) have both been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the nation as winners of the awards in their home states, while Paralympic gold medallist Madison de Rozario was shortlisted as one of four candidates for the accolade in Western Australia.

Athletics Australia Chief Executive Peter Bromley said he was delighted to not only see three Australian athletics community members nominated, but to see each of them use athletics as a platform for creating positive change.

“On behalf of the Australian athletics community, our most heartfelt congratulations are with Peter and Meriem, as well as Madison on their nominations for Young Australian of the Year,” Bromley said.

“Each of the three embody everything that’s great about track, field and road, but what we are most proud of is how they’ve become role models for millions of Australians in their states and across the country.

“Being nominated for Young Australian of the Year isn’t just recognition of their athletic prowess but recognition of the world-class humans that they have become, with each of them championing their passions, values and beliefs to make a difference.”

28-year-old Bol, who became the first Australian to qualify for an Olympic 800m final in 53 years, won WA’s Young Australian of the Year for his work as a coach, mentor, keynote speaker and his philanthropic efforts, while marathon runner and registered nurse Daoui has been applauded for her efforts to raise money for Syrians affected by the civil war, as well as raising awareness and vital funds for childhood cancer research.

While de Rozario has become one of Australia’s most prolific track athletes, her work in advocating for inclusion and diversity has seen her influence change outside of sport, including her work with former Australian of the Year Grace Tame and fellow nominee from New South Wales, Chanel Contos on the ‘Safety. Respect. Equity’ campaign.

Bromley said that the nominations further cemented Athletics Australia’s decision to present the past two editions of the prestigious Peter Norman Humanitarian Award to Bol and Daoui.

“We are so proud to have supported Meriem and Peter in their philanthropic efforts with Meriem winning last year’s Peter Norman Humanitarian Award, and Peter receiving this year’s award. Both have worked with a number of charities, inspired by their own lived experiences and it’s fantastic to see that their work has garnered the attention not just of our community, but the wider Australian public.

“I’d also like to congratulate Madison de Rozario who consistently inspires the next generation of athletes with her efforts on the track and road, and her strong advocacy for both women and for people with a disability.”

Both Bol and Daoui will represent their states at the Australian of the Year Awards on January 25, 2023.

For more information on their nominations, visit https://australianoftheyear.org.au/

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 15/11/2022