9 October 2008
NSWIS Diver Matthew Mitcham has been rewarded for one of the greatest moments in Australian sporting history, in sharing the 2008 Don award with fellow Australian Steve Hooker.
Mitcham’s gold medal effort at the 2008 Olympic games will forever be remembered, Mitcham's last dive of 112.10 pushed him to the gold medal and in the process broke an Olympic record, as well as preventing China from taking a clean sweep in the diving.
Mitcham was given the nod ahead of several other impressive performances throughout the year and was thankful that he returned after two years out of the sport.
"I left the sport without any intention of returning. I had fallen out of love with diving," Mitcham said after winning gold in Beijing.
"I wouldn't be here if I hadn't taken the time off. I know it for sure because I came back with such a drive and such fierce competitive spirit."
The annual Don award was first introduced in 1998 at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) function. It is named in honour of cricketing legend Sir Donald Bradman and seeks recognise the sporting achievement of the year that most inspires the nation.