IPSWICH’S sporting finest have kicked goals, raised the bar and gone the distance, with eight of the city’s standout athletes, coaches, volunteers and organisations taking top honours at the 2026 Ipswich Sports Awards.
Now in their 17th year, the awards celebrated sporting excellence across eight categories, recognising those making their mark on the world stage alongside the unsung heroes keeping community sport alive.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the awards highlighted the extraordinary depth of talent and dedication across the city’s sporting landscape.
“The Ipswich Sports Awards celebrate the best of the best sporting talent in our city,” Cr Harding said.
“The awards not only recognise our star athletes but also show appreciation for those who keep sporting clubs moving across the city.
“The dedication that each of these winners demonstrate is extraordinary, elevating the sporting community with their talent and service.”
Leading the charge was international distance-running sensation Jude Thomas, who raced away with the prestigious Senior Sportsperson of the Year award.
Thomas has continued to put Ipswich on the world athletics map, competing across Europe, Japan and Australia while establishing himself as the fifth-fastest Australian in history over the indoor 5000 metres.
The middle and long- distance star represented Australia at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, claimed the Australian Road Mile Championship and climbed to 31st in the world rankings over 1500 metres.
Making a splash in the junior ranks was swimming sensation Ava Hogan, who claimed Junior Sportsperson of the Year after another remarkable season in the pool.
The youngest member of Australia’s Junior Dolphins squad, Hogan has swept Queensland state titles across the 400, 800 and 1500 metres freestyle events.
Twice crowned Distance Freestyle Swimmer of the Year at the Brisbane Swimming Awards, Hogan has also earned a place at a prestigious Australian Institute of Sport swimming camp alongside the nation’s emerging stars.
There was no slowing down for Shannon Ashton, who secured Masters Sportsperson of the Year honours after helping Australia claim bronze at the International Masters Cup in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The hockey representative was also recognised for her tireless contribution to coaching, mentoring and developing local players, proving her influence extends well beyond the international arena.
In the boxing corner, Jessica Cashman delivered another knockout achievement, claiming Coach of the Year.
Cashman has also been appointed head coach of Australia’s Youth Olympic boxing team for Dakar, becoming the first woman to lead an Australian boxing team at an Olympic event.
Taylor Leighton grappled with the competition to claim Official of the Year for wrestling, while Lorena Humphreys was recognised as Volunteer of the Year for her extraordinary dedication to the Ipswich Eagles Football Club.
Described as the heart of the club, Humphreys has worn almost every administrative hat imaginable, serving as president, secretary, treasurer and more.
The Ipswich and District Athletics Club cleared the field to claim Sporting Organisation of the Year, while the Ipswich Force Under-14 Girls proved they were a team to beat, securing Team of the Year honours for basketball.
